Failing Forward

It is so incredibly moving to watch Peter’s journey through the lens of Luke 22:32 and John 21:15–17. In the first passage, Jesus doesn't tell Peter he won't fail; He tells him He has prayed for him, so that once Peter has turned back, he can strengthen his brothers. Jesus already saw the failure coming, but He also saw the leadership that would be forged within it.

When we get to the beach in John 21, the three-fold "Do you love me?" isn't a lecture—it’s a restoration. Jesus meets Peter in the mess of his biggest mistake and uses it as the very platform for his calling to "Feed my sheep."

In our own lives, especially when building something new like Cross Words 4 God, it’s easy to fear being imperfect. But these verses remind us that God doesn't need our perfection; He uses our turned back moments to give us the empathy and strength to lead others. Our failures aren't the end—if we let Him, they become the ink that writes our most powerful chapters.

“But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” ~Luke 22:32

“After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, Simon son of John, ‘do you love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord.’ Peter replied, ‘you know I love you.’ ‘Then feed my lambs,’ Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ Peter said, ‘you know I love you.’ ‘Then take care of my sheep,’ Jesus said. A third time he asked him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, ‘Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Then feed my sheep.’” ~John 21:15-17