A defining moment is an experience that changes what follows.
Failure is the lack of a perceived success. Failure is the inability to achieve a specific goal or action.
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.” John 21:15-19 ESV
How does Peter’s experience inform us?
[1] Never say never.
[2] Jesus forgives completely.
[3] Without revisiting yesterday’s failure, you cannot step into the future God has for you today.
[4] Through failure, you learn what’s really important.
[5] Jesus fully restores.
[6] You walk with Jesus for clarity.
[7] You're not just forgiven but given.
Defining moments are meant to lived and not forgotten.