Day 13: Restoration on the Shore

Devotional Thought

After the resurrection, Peter must have carried a heavy burden. He had denied Jesus not once, but three times. Though Jesus had risen, Peter’s heart may still have felt disqualified. And yet, Jesus wasn’t finished with him.

On the shore of Galilee, Jesus didn’t rebuke Peter—He restored him. Over breakfast, Jesus asked him a heart-piercing question: “Do you love Me?” Not once, but three times—one for each denial. With each confession of love, Jesus re-commissioned Peter: “Feed my sheep.”

Resurrection life doesn’t ignore our past—it redeems it. Jesus knew Peter’s failure, but He also saw Peter’s future. Grace met him in his guilt. Mercy replaced his shame. And love empowered him to lead.

Maybe you’ve failed, fallen short, or drifted. Resurrection isn’t just about coming back to life—it’s about coming back to purpose. Jesus isn’t asking if you’ve been perfect—He’s asking if you love Him. If the answer is yes, He’s ready to restore you and re-send you.

Let His voice on the shore quiet the voices of shame. You are not disqualified. You are deeply loved and called again.

Reflection Points

1. How do you relate to Peter’s failure and Jesus’ restoration?

2. What is Jesus asking you to release from your past so He can restore your purpose?

3. How would your life look if you fully embraced His grace and re-commissioning?

Practical Applications

1. Write a response to Jesus

Journal as if He’s asking you, “Do you love Me?” Let your words be honest, personal, and hopeful.

2. Identify and surrender shame

Name a past failure and surrender it in prayer, declaring that you are forgiven and restored.

3. Step back into purpose

Ask God how you can “feed His sheep” today. That could be encouraging someone, serving, or using a gift you’ve neglected.