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Lk. 22:31-32 

Just because you’ve blown it does not mean God   won’t use you.

I have a friend who, for many years before he became a Christian, was a cocaine addict.  Then he   gave his life to Christ, and God wonderfully delivered him from this addiction.  He began to grow in his faith.

Some years after he gave his life to Christ, he went to seminary to prepare for the ministry,  but while he was in seminary he took a fall.  Through a chain of events and some moments of weakness, the urge to use cocaine visited him with a vengeance, and he fell.  He gave in.  But  God so convicted his heart that he sought out some wise, godly people, and he repented.  He   placed himself under their leadership and accountability, and in time God restored him back to  ministry.  Today he’s the pastor of a thriving church.  God is using him in a powerful way, and he has a wonderful testimony.

His story is really a picture of God’s grace, love, and mercy in all of our lives.  We don’t glory in the fact that somebody fails.  God can reach us and turn our lives around, even when we mess up.  The Bible is full of examples. 

Take Peter.  You recall that Jesus foretold Peter’s betrayal in Luke chapter 22 verses 31 and  32. Listen to what Jesus said to Peter just before Jesus is to be crucified; “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.  And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

What a wonderful thing!  Here’s what I want you to remember today.  Failure is not final.  If you’ll confess and repent of your sin, God will restore you.  He’ll put you back together, and  He will use you.