Jesus said, "Do you love me?"

John 21:17

Let me share a poignant excerpt from a powerful story in my published book WHEN JESUS CALLS. The story is written from personal experiences and reflections on faith and trust in God. The words on the pages beautifully illustrate a biblical concept of God’s preparation and victory with Him. It resonates with our daily lives, offering reassurance and hope. I pray that the power of Jesus Christ will touch your heart through the testimony He has given me to share. Do not believe the enemy’s lies that you are not worthy of His love. You are worthy because of Jesus! ❤ He loves you deeply!

Mary began to cry, and her heart was broken. How did I let this happen? she thought. She looked at Michael and said, “This can’t happen again. Michael, I have broken God’s heart. I know the truth; how did I allow this to happen?” She was kind to Michael but asked him to leave.

He understood and said, “I’m sorry, Mary,” and he left.

She began to pray. “Father, please forgive me, as I have failed you. Lord, I love you, and I think of Peter in John 21:17: ‘The third time he said to him, Simon son of John, do you love me? Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, do you love me? He said, “Lord, you know all things; You know that I love you.”’ Please forgive me, Lord.”

The longer I seek to walk with Jesus daily, the more I understand that I can do nothing without Him. I have often said, “The second I take my eyes off of Jesus, I fail.” This is so true!

I think of the way Peter must have felt when he denied Jesus. In John 13: 8-9, he asked Jesus if He was going to wash his feet. Peter replied, “You shall never wash my feet?” Jesus answered him by saying, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” I love Peter’s words next when he says, “Then, Lord,” “Not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” Peter immediately understood that it was nothing he had done but everything Jesus had done!

I remember so many times in my life when I have felt just like Peter. I was confident in my love for Jesus and daily walk with Him, but minutes later, I was living on my understanding and making a choice that did not please God. These times bring conviction that also changes our hearts.

These times also help us understand our dependence on our Savior, just like Peter. As we are reminded again of our need for Him, He disciplines and instructs us with compassion because He loves us so much! What a Savior!

John 21:17: ‘The third time he said to him, Simon son of John, do you love me? Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, do you love me? He said, “Lord, you know all things; You know that I love you.”

Jesus knew Peter's heart like He knows each one of ours. I guess the question we have to ask ourselves is, “Do we love Jesus?” Will He need to ask us a third time, “Do you love me?”

Over the years, I have learned how much He loves me and how much I need Him. He is my Savior and best friend, and I could not live one day without Him.

He makes everything beautiful in His time. ❤ Instead of focusing on anything else, I choose to focus on God's goodness! As we repent of our sins and ask Him to forgive us, He will forgive us and Cast our sins from the East to the West. We should not focus on them either. We should focus on drawing near to him because the closer we draw to Jesus, the closer He will draw to us. I am also reminded that all things work together for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

So many feel unworthy of the love of Jesus, and as we compare ourselves to Him, I can understand this in some way. After all, He is perfect, and we are not. But do not believe the lie of the enemy! We are all worthy because of Jesus, and everything changes when we begin to understand how much He loves us! 💕

Father, we come to you today, and THANK YOU for loving us! Thank you for disciplining us and continuing to forgive us! Thank you for showing us our need to forgive others as you have forgiven us so often. We are grateful for your compassion and for continuing to show us our need for you! We do love you, Father, and we need you every day. Continue to guide us on the paths of righteousness. You are righteous and mighty to be praised, and as we seek to walk closer to you daily, Father, protect us from the evil one and allow us the Freedom we have in you as we wear your armor and seek to live for you every day! May we long to hear the words, “Well done, my good and Faithful Servant.” In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.

Thank you for reading, subscribing, sharing, and allowing me to share my heart with you. Until next time, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13.

Visit my website at marthagayle.com. I would love to pray for you and get to know you as we encourage each other, in Jesus’ Name! 🙏

Always Believe, John 11:40

Martha Gayle ❤