God uses damaged people

‘When you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.’ Luke 22:32 NKJV

Too often people are devalued or dismissed because of what they have been through in life. Sometimes it’s because of what they have done to others, sometimes it’s because of what others have done to them. If you have been to a second-hand shop, you know there are valuable items at deeply discounted prices; you just have to know what you’re looking for. Jesus does. In His eyes you may be ‘down’ but you’re not ‘out’.

Peter’s sorrow over denying Jesus ran so deep that he decided to go back to his old job as a fisherman. Can you imagine the gossip around the harbour? ‘That’s the guy who turned his back on Jesus.’ If Peter had been a pastor, we would have called for his resignation. At the very least, he would have nothing to say that we would be interested in listening to. Yet, he was the first person Jesus went looking for after the resurrection. And when Jesus saw Peter, He never mentioned it—not even once. But three times He asked him, ‘Do you love me?’ When Peter answered yes three times, Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep,’ referring to his future as pastor and head of the church (see John 21:15-17). Jesus looked beyond Peter’s failed past and saw his future. Peter’s failure was not a surprise. Jesus told him, ‘"But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." (Luke 22:32 NKJV) The weakness he had overcome and the restoring grace he had experienced became some of his greatest teaching tools in helping others. Yes, God will reprove you, but it’s to restore you and use you for His purposes.