“At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, ‘Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.’ And he broke down and wept” (Mark 14:72).

You are not a failure for failing. You are a failure only if you quit.

The verse comes at the end of Peter vehemently – swearing and cussing – denying that he even knew Christ, after pledging to even die with Christ before denying him.

So it is with us. We have made so many promises to do right, live right, think right, and be right. And, thus far, we’re all batting a 1000%! We’ve failed every time.

Failing doesn’t make one a failure.

After realizing how he had let Jesus down, Peter broke down and wept. Repented. And got back up and went back to the other disciples.

Don’t quit because you failed. God’s not surprised by our failures. God is not disappointed with you or me because of our failures. The only time we let God down is when we quit.

Failing doesn’t make you a failure. Quitting does.

You see, God’s never done working in you and me. God is constantly working to make us more like him. God will never quit on you, so never quit on God.

After failing Jesus, Peter repents and Jesus restores him to ministry and service. And the Little Church and Lakewoodgrace are currently studying 1 Peter together in our Sunday services because Peter never quit. Peter certainly failed, but he never quit.

Keep at it. Keep going. Never, ever quit. God is at work in us.

“For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you'” (Isaiah 41:13)

Fear and isolation go together. It is amazing how fear abates in the presence of another.

When Kaleb was younger he hated the dark. He would go around turning on every light in the house whenever he was alone. But he wouldn’t do that when someone else was in the house with him.

Fear and isolation go together. Fear abates in the presence of another.

This is even more true when someone who is our protector is with us. No matter how dark the darkness is, when you are in the presence of someone who can protect you, fear runs.

No matter what you are going through, there is never a time when you are alone. God is Emmanuel – God with us. You are never alone. The LORD is your God. The LORD, who is the creator of the heavens and earth is your God!

Do not fear. Take courage. God is with you.

“I believe I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” (Psalm 27:13-14)

The days, particularly these days, seem to be a repeat of the days before. We can’t wait for the days to return to the days of old where we can see our friends and church family. We can’t wait to go out to eat like we used to. We long for the days when we can worship as a church family.

The more we long, the more these days seem to drag on.

Stop!

God is not done with us yet. Every day is a gift. Every day is an opportunity to see how God will use you to bless and encourage the life of another. Even if you make the day a better day for one person, it’s an excellent day! And, everyone of us has the capacity to bless the life of another.

John Maxwell is one of my favorite authors and leaders. One of the things I love about John Maxwell is that every time he is with someone his main priority is to add value to the person who is in front on him. He is constantly asking, “How can I add value to this person?” That’s why people love being around John Maxwell.

“How can I add value to the person before me?”

What a fantastic way to live!

God is at work in you today. Seek the goodness of the LORD today. Wait for the Lord. Be strong, and let your heart take courage.

God is at work in you today. God seeks to use you to add value to the people in your life.