Your Purpose Is Not in Your PerfectionНамуна

Day 4: You Cannot Disqualify Yourself From God’s Love

Have you ever read stories of the disciples doing the opposite of what Jesus said and wondered, “How could you? Jesus is LITERALLY right there with you!?!”

Sometimes I think it should have been easier for them to live Christ-filled lives than for me, because they walked with Jesus daily. Jesus told Peter he would deny him three times in a single evening. And Peter did! It’s easy for me to shake my head at Peter and not find myself in the narrative.

Mama, let me be real with you: I love Jesus with all my heart. For many years, I have climbed out of bed extra early to pray for my day, my family, and lay down every part of my life before my Lord. That’s at 5 am. Often, by 10 am, my third cup of coffee has worn off, I’ve taken back control of every part of my life, and picked up a few offenses and complaints. I’m the lady who gets shocked. Peter can deny Jesus three times in an evening, yet I can deny Him three times in less than an hour in the context of my mind, marriage, or as a mom.

Jesus wasn’t trying to stop Peter. He predicted Peter’s denial, so when Peter heard the rooster crow and shame and disappointment threatened to crush him, he would remember that intimate moment with Jesus.

Mama, do you remember the words Jesus left with Peter on the worst night of both of their lives? He said, “I’ve prayed for you.” Jesus was heading to a torturous death, and He told Peter his life was valuable.

Our God is the God of restoration. There is nothing you have done or could do that could disqualify you from His love. In fact, as Jesus hung on the cross the next day, He restored the criminal hanging beside him in their last moments of life. You can’t mess up bigger than Jesus can love, Mama.

When you feel the weight of regret, shame, fear, failure, or hurt, remember Jesus. Come back to Him, and you will find yourself. Your purpose will not be found in being the perfect mom or the perfect anything. Your purpose is found solely in Jesus. He loves you. If you will let Him be Lord of your life, He will do greater things than you could ever dream or imagine.

Let’s pray: Father, thank you for your love that covers a multitude of sins. Help me to place everything weighing me down at Your feet. Restore me according to Your love, not according to what I deserve. Thank you, Lord, that You are always good, faithful, loving, and kind. I put my hope and trust in You. Amen.