Don’t let your past determine your future

Today’s blog post is contributed by David Trotta:

That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. John 21:7

Not long before the above encounter with Jesus, Peter had denied 3 times that he even knew Jesus for fear of his own life.  We all know the story.  Jesus was seized and taken away when someone recognized Peter and asked if he was with Jesus, to which Peter replied “I do not know him.”

Peter was so devastated after denying his Lord that the bible says he wept bitterly.  I can’t imagine how Peter must have felt.  He must have been wracked with guilt and regret for abandoning the person he loved and admired most.

However, after hearing it was Jesus on the shore, the above verse says Peter “threw himself into the sea” in a rush to see Jesus again.

Peter could have let his guilt and shame drive him away from Jesus.  He could have stayed in the boat or even rowed in the opposite direction afraid to face the man he let down.

But Peter would not let his past determine his future.  He wanted more than anything to be reconciled with his Lord.  He wanted to stand before Jesus again to know that He still loved him and that everything was ok between them.

And what did Jesus do after seeing Peter?  He didn’t turn him away.  Instead, he broke bread with Peter and the other disciple and then went on to commission Peter with the great task of “feeding His sheep.”  Peter then went on to become a leader in the early church and pen some of the New Testament.

Regardless of what’s in your past, don’t run from it.  Like Peter, don’t let your past failures determine your future.  Run to Jesus.  He is waiting to bring restoration and healing to your life so He can commission you to do great things.