We all stumble in many ways.
—James 3:2
The longest winning streak in college sports history ended on January 18, 2012, when Trinity College’s squash team lost to Yale after 252 consecutive victories. It was Trinity’s first loss in fourteen years. Coach Paul Assaiante received an email from Patriots’ football coach Bill Belichick: “Now you get to bounce back.”
Peter lost big when he denied Jesus. He made a horrible—but not unforgivable—mistake. Despite his blunder, Jesus believed in him: “You will recover from your failure and become a source of strength for your brothers” (Lk 22:32 VOICE). Jesus knew Peter would bounce back.
He believes in you, too. At some point, spiritual failure is certain: “We all stumble in many ways” (Jas 3:2). Jesus knows your weakness—and your strength. He knows you’ve stumbled—and knows you will bounce back.
Failure need not be final.