Peter had two errors in the same inning—three denials in one night. If anyone deserved permanent bench time, it was him. Yet Jesus didn't sideline Peter; He recommissioned him: "Feed my sheep."
Here's what transformed my thinking: I used to see God as a "big stick holder," ready to make me feel the pain of my shame. Then I realized the stick crossed over my head and hit Jesus on the cross instead. He took the blow I deserved.
"He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought us peace was on Him" (Isaiah 53:5).
You might be struggling with lust, anger, fear, unforgiveness, or something darker. But Jesus isn't finished with you. He's not waiting for you to work off your sin. He's inviting you back into the game—not because you're perfect, but because His love is.