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Forgiven

Andrea Lende • June 18, 2022

Matthew 28:75

Forgiven


You can listen to the devotion and prayer at: https://anchor.fm/andrea-lende/episodes/Forgiven-e1k3pvl


Matthew 28:75

 

And Peter remembered Jesus’ words, when He had said, Before a single rooster crows, you will deny and disown Me three times. And he went outside and wept bitterly.

 

 

When Jesus was taken captive, all His disciples abandoned Him.

 

Even the three He asked to pray with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane.

 

The three who fell asleep on one of the most famous nights of all nights.

 

And He knew they would desert Him.

 

He knew Peter would deny knowing Him, not just once but three times, before morning unfolded.

 

He also knew Peter would build His church after His death and resurrection.

 

The Bible says, “Peter wept bitterly.”

 

Peter failed himself.

 

He was disappointed in himself.

 

So, he grieved.

 

But not for long.

 

When Jesus rose, Peter rejoiced and eventually went on to build the church.

 

God has a plan for our lives just as He did for Peter’s.

 

God knows our weaknesses.

 

He knows we will fail.

 

He knows our sins before we commit them.

 

He loves us all the same.

 

He loves us with all our faults and shortcomings.

 

He loves us when we fail just as much as He loves us when we succeed.

 

It’s, we, who need to grant ourselves permission to fail and then forgive ourselves.

 

Our shortcomings and failures will not stop His plan.

 

We may need to take time to grieve our failures.

 

But then we must stand up and walk boldly into God’s plan.

 

We must forgive ourselves and move forward.

 

Today I choose to forgive myself for the mistakes I’ve made and know the Lord still has a wonderful plan for my life.

 

May you forgive your own shortcomings and accept the forgiveness Jesus died to give you.

 

 

Daily Prayer:

 

O Lord, thank You for sending Your Son to come to this earth to die for our sins. Thank You for making a way for us to be forgiven, Lord. And thank You for loving us no matter how many times we fail. Your grace flows over our lives in abundance. You’ve made a way for us to be perfect in Your sight. Help us forgive ourselves when we miss the mark, Lord. And help us offer grace to those around us. Help us forgive others easily and overlook the shortcomings and failures of those closest to us. Don’t let us harbor resentment against others or even ourselves. Keep our eyes on You. Fill us with Your love and help us love as You do. Help us bless someone this day. Thank You for hearing our prayer.

 

Answer: You are my child. I see your heart and dearly love you.

Response: Thank You, most gracious and merciful God. Amen


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