The Quote:
“I have been bent and broken, but I hope into a better shape.”
– Charles Dickens
Wisdom from Scripture:
Philippians 4: 12-13 (NIV)
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Matthew 26: 69-75 (NIV)
“Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said. 70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.
71 Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!”
73 After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.”74 Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!”
Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.”
Comment: If you feel broken, deeply embarrassed, or dejected, remember that this Peter became the leader of the apostles. Maybe because of his mistakes!
Prayer:
Dear God, you love and accept us unconditionally. You allow us to become exposed in our weaknesses, learn from our mistakes, and grow – sometimes in the only way possible: through painful self-discovery. You are with us every step of the way, to guide us, encourage and strengthen us; for that we thank you. Amen.