October 31: Insight Post by David Schleyer
Weekly Reading: John 13:36-38, Luke 22:31-34, Mark 14:27-31
Friday Reflection
Repentance Leads to Restoration: Though Peter would deny Jesus, he later repented and was restored to a position of leadership. This shows us that no failure is too great for God’s forgiveness and restoration when we turn back to Him.
Friday Verse
Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead. Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish. Joel 2:13 (NLT)
Friday Questions
How can I trust in God’s ability to restore me, even after my greatest mistakes?
Friday Insight Post
by David Schleyer
Peter loved Jesus, but he did not understand what was ahead. When Jesus told him he would deny Him three times, Peter could not imagine it. He was confident that his loyalty and strength would hold up. But when fear showed up, his confidence fell apart.
I think about that moment often because I have been there too. Times when I was certain I would do better, speak up, or stay strong, only to fall short. Those moments sting, but they also teach. I am learning that failure is not final. You either win or you learn. And sometimes the lessons learned in failure shape us far more than success ever could.
Peter’s story shows what happens when someone chooses to learn instead of to quit. Peter could have walked away, buried his shame, and stayed in the shadows. If he had done that, he might have missed his purpose. The early church might have lost one of its boldest voices. But Peter turned back to Jesus. He let grace rewrite his story. And through that, he became a pillar of faith and courage.
When I fail, I try to see it the same way. Every loss, every mistake, every moment of regret can become a lesson if I let it. What matters most is not the stumble but the return, the decision to get back up and let God use the experience to make me stronger.
Think about a time you failed and what it taught you. How might that experience be shaping who you are becoming today?
David Schleyer
Elementary Small Group Leader
New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org