Just Face It

From Today’s One Year Bible Reading Plan at BibleInAYearOnline.com

He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. - Titus 3:5

Let’s be real for a minute. There’s a Peter in us and there’s a Simon too. Peter was the name Jesus gave Simon, meaning rock, solid, dependable, the kind of person you would want on your team. But Simon was his original name and that part of him that represented less steadfastness and was often shaky and unpredictable. “Simon” was the version of Peter that denied Jesus three times. The version that fell short even after making bold promises. Sound familiar?

Truth is, we have both parts in us. There are moments when we are faithful, strong, and steady. And then there are the other moments, the ones we are not so proud of. The ones we hope no one sees. But here’s the good news. God already sees it all and loves us anyway.

The Apostle Paul knew this struggle firsthand. He wrote in Romans that he did not understand himself because he kept doing the things he did not want to do. That kind of honesty is freeing. When we stop pretending to have it all together, we make space for grace to step in. God never asked us to be perfect. That is why He sent Jesus.

Jesus lived the perfect life we could not live and died the death we deserved. His mercy washed away our sins. Not because we earned it. Not because we proved ourselves. But because He loved us that much. And because of that love, we can run to Him instead of hiding from Him. No matter how many times we mess up, His grace still covers us.

So go ahead. Just face it. You are not perfect. But the One who is perfect paid the price for you. That is the kind of truth that sets you free.

Reflection Question: Where do you see the tension between your Simon and Peter sides, and how can you let grace meet you there today?

Prayer: Father, thank You that I do not have to be perfect to be loved by You. Thank You for mercy that never runs out and for grace that meets me where I am. Help me to trust You more and to run to You when I fall. In Jesus' name, Amen.