The world often judges us by our past. We most often view ourselves on our present. I believe God looks at us through our future.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭ESV

The story of the apostle Peter has always been one that resonates with me in someways. Peter was impulsive and battled with pride. I find the same qualities in myself. Peter had highs and lows. He also praised God through his actions at some moments and denied him in others. but when Jesus interacted with Peter, he didn’t look at the mistakes that he had made, or his up and down faith. Jesus had his eyes set on Peter‘s future. By calling him, Peter and the first place, Jesus was making a statement about who he would become. As we read about in the New Testament, Peter was not his original name. Not only did Jesus give him a new name, but he proclaimed that the same faith that Peter had in order to declare Jesus, the Messiah, would be the same faith on which Jesus would build his church. Even after Peter denied Jesus three times on the eve of his crucifixion, Jesus knew that his destiny would not be marked by denial, but by the faithful pursuit of the kingdom of God. Not long after the resurrection of Jesus, he met with Peter and reminded him of his love for him. When Jesus ascended, Peter would be instrumental in preaching one of the greatest sermons and history after which 3000 people gave their hearts to Christ. Peter would go onto live the rest of his days devoted to sharing the gospel. Ultimately he would give his own life For the sake of the gospel.

“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.” 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.” 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. 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.” (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

Jesus has rescued me from a troubled past. He rescues me still from my pride and my up-and-down faith. But I believe, just as in Peter, Jesus views me in light of the destiny that he has aligned and prepared for me. I believe the same is true for you. God sees you. He knows all of your hurt and your brokenness and your sin. He knows your needs and your wants. He is for you. No matter what you’ve done., or where you find yourself now. He wants a relationship with you. And if He already has that, He wants it to grow to new heights.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬ ‭ESV

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.