I need a Do-Over

A few summers ago, I had a plan: We were going to make picture-perfect s’mores in the backyard—Pinterest made it seem so easy! I mean, honestly! What could go wrong?!  I had all the supplies, the kids were excited, and I was ready for my moment to shine as super mom.

Then we lit the fire.

Four kids, all roasting marshmallows at once—friends, it was complete chaos. Within seconds, marshmallows were on fire, flaming like they were competing to be stars in a campfire commercial. Steve and I tried to save each one, blowing like our lives depended on it, but it was no use. Each one was charred beyond recognition.

So, we tried again…and again…and again.  Each time we achieved the exact same result: blackened marshmallow hockey pucks. Finally, I gave up, grabbed the graham crackers and chocolate, and declared, “Who needs roasted marshmallows anyway?” Turns out, our kids were perfectly happy with deconstructed s’mores.  It just didn’t look exactly like the Pinterest post I had found.

As silly as that s’more debacle was, I think it’s probably a picture of how my whole life is—God meets me in the middle of my mess, and often gives me a do-over. 

Thank goodness for the do-overs.

I’m not sure if you’re like me, but I have LOVED this sermon series.  Learning more about Peter has humbled me as I’ve seen how similar I am to the disciple with a ‘foot-shaped mouth’.  He constantly needed a do-over like I do, and this past week I read about one incredible do-over moment that gave me such hope for the days I feel I’ve really blown it. 

Before Peter was ever called Peter, he was just Simon—a fisherman. In Luke 5, we see Simon’s first encounter with Jesus. Simon had been fishing all night with no luck when Jesus showed up and told him to cast his nets again. Begrudgingly, Simon obeyed—and suddenly, the nets were overflowing with fish. Completely overwhelmed, Simon fell at Jesus’ feet and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" But Jesus didn’t walk away. Instead, He looked at Simon and said, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people." Jesus knew exactly who Simon was—flaws and all—and He recruited him for his team.  Jesus wanted him, anyway.

Fast forward to Peter’s lowest moment. After Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter followed at a distance, landing in the courtyard of the High Priest, just steps away from where Jesus was being held. Then it happened. A servant girl asked if he knew Jesus. Peter told her emphatically, ‘no’.

Then another person asked. “I absolutely do not know him” Peter answers.

Then another person, who was related to the man whose ear Peter cut off asked… “Hey --- I thought I saw Him with you!”  At this point Peter practically yells back, “I don’t know the man!”

And then—the rooster crowed.

Peter had one job, and he blew it.

We all like to judge Peter, but let’s be honest—haven’t we all been there? Faced with fear, pressure, or uncertainty, haven’t we had moments where we, too, backed away from Jesus?

Peter was wrecked. Jesus was beaten, crucified, buried, and it all seemed to happen so fast. Peter never had a chance to apologize. No chance to fix it. His failure seemed like it would forever hang over him like smoke from that campfire.

Fast forward to John 21. Peter and the disciples have been out all night fishing—and caught nothing.

…Hopefully this sounds familiar… (remember Luke 5)

Jesus shows up on shore and tells the disciples to cast their nets on the right side. The second they haul in an overflowing net full of fish Peter knows—it’s Jesus!! In classic Peter fashion, he jumps out of the boat and swims for it.

When he gets to shore, Jesus has a fire going. Not just any fire—a charcoal fire. Did you known that a charcoal fire is only mentioned one other time in the gospels? The only other time is the fire that Peter stood by when he denied Jesus.

So, knowing that, can you imagine how this moment felt for Peter? The smell. The heat. The memories all flooding back. Peter’s failure, his shame, all staring him in the face.

Then Jesus speaks: “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

Wait. Did you catch that? Jesus calls him Simon. Not Peter. Not “Rock.” Just Simon—the name he had before he ever met Jesus.

Ouch!!  Was Jesus rubbing salt in the wound? Trying to hurt Peter’s already broken heart?  No. I think He was reminding Peter of something bigger.  A new lesson for Peter to learn, and remember for the days ahead.

Jesus didn’t love Peter because he was perfect. He didn’t call him because he never messed up. He called him because He wanted him. Period.

Peter denied Jesus three times. Now, three times Jesus gives him the chance to say, “Yes, Lord, You know I love You.” Three failures, three chances at redemption. That’s grace.

This Easter, let go of the failures, the fears, the regrets that cling to you like smoke from an old fire. Jesus isn’t looking for perfection—He’s looking for willingness. No mistake, no weakness, no regret is greater than His grace. He’s calling your name, reminding you He loves you—not because you’re perfect, but because you’re His.

So regardless of what this week has held, or this month, or this year…. No matter the number of mistakes you feel you have made.  Jesus loves you.  He wants you.  He literally died for you, which is why Easter is such a powerful day.

Some may even say the grace we are given through Jesus’ death on a cross is the greatest do-over in history.  So let’s go make the most of it, starting today!