Process Of Restoration

Pastor preached an incredible sermon yesterday on failure. While I should have picked up on it earlier, that it would prompt today's post, it was towards the end, that it clicked.

So here it is, when it comes to failing in ministry.

The difference between Judas and Peter was restoration.

Judas betrayed Christ.
Peter denied Christ.

And what made the difference in the aftermath?

Peter's response... which is the same for all of us, when we have dropped it.

Admit it. Confess it. Forget it.

Judas decided to respond to his failure against Christ internal and it destroyed him... literally.
Peter decided to respond to his failure against Christ by submitting it to Christ... externally.

And because of the confession of his mouth and the repentance of his heart, he was restored... not only to right relationship with God, but called to return to ministry.

By properly responding to his failure by turning to Christ, God was able to accomplish the miraculous... a story of triumph for the kingdom of God, rather than a tragic ending.

Pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, for pastors struggling with failure. May the respond appropriately to Christ, not holding it in, but handing it over to God, whereby He might accomplish His good work, even in spite of our setbacks. Pray a spirit of humilty, confession and submission; that a spirit of pride would not stand in the way of a healthy and right relationship with God. While the enemy may desire to sift our leaders as wheat, may our prayers rise up for the strengthening of their faith. Pray too, that God would help the body of Christ... that they too, would respond correctly to the failures in church leadership, as well as their own lives... may pride not be our downfall, nor our destruction.

Humbled in our confession
Restored through our repentance
Lifted up, through our lowly state.
For the glory of God
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

---