Three strikes but you're not out

​In the game of baseball, each at bat has a limit of three strikes of four balls.  You never get an extra strike.  No umpire will ever say, “Strike three…but wait…I’ll give you a fourth strike…step back up to the plate.”  But that is exactly what happens to Peter.  Jesus predicted that on the night before His death, before the rooster crowed twice, Peter would deny His Lord not once, not even twice, but on three separate occasions.  That is exactly what happens. Peter denies Jesus once – strike one; twice – strike two; and yet a third time – strike three. By baseball standards, Peter was out. But this is not the case when God is involved.  Yes, Peter had failed.  Yes, Peter denied his Lord three times.  But no, Peter was not done.  God still had a wonderful place for Peter in advancing the Kingdom of God. Peter would later be the one on the Day of Pentecost to preach a powerful sermon to thousands upon thousands which would result in 3,000 people coming to faith in Jesus Christ.  Maybe you have failed your Lord.  Maybe you have done so more than once.  You may feel like you have struck out spiritually.  Don’t underestimate the grace of God. You’re not done!  He still has a purpose for you! Step back up to the plate