Running Toward Grace – God’s Response to Our Failure

The Direction You Run Determines Everything

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we believe in being the change as Jesus has changed us. Our “Just 3” mission—Study, Share, and Serve—is built on understanding God’s transforming grace. Peter’s story shows us that what matters most isn’t the size of our failure, but the direction we run afterward.

The Critical Difference

Both Judas and Peter failed Jesus terribly that night. Both sinned. Both felt remorse. But only one found restoration. The difference wasn’t the severity of their sin—it was which direction they ran after they sinned.

Judas ran to despair. Peter ran to Jesus. That choice made all the difference in the world.

Love Always Wins

Peter understood something crucial: love always wins. Even after his three denials, even after his spectacular failure, Peter believed that God’s mercy was bigger than his sin.

This belief allowed him to see God’s plan come to life even after everything he had done. It’s the same belief that can transform your life today.

The Heart of the Gospel

Romans 5:8 declares: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Put that verse on your mirror. Make it personal: “While I was still a sinner, Christ died for me.” This is the foundation of everything we believe at Lakeview Christian Church.

Jesus didn’t die for you after you cleaned up your act. He didn’t wait until you proved yourself worthy. He died for you while you were still sinning. He’s done it over and over again—He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Jesus Knew the Plan

Jesus knew everything that would happen that night. He knew Judas would betray Him. He knew Peter would deny Him. He knew the cross was coming.

And He went anyway.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). God’s answer was clear: “It’s going to be done.” Why? Because there was no other way to deal with our sin.

The Crucial Truth About Forgiveness

Here’s what we must understand: You cannot grant yourself forgiveness, but you can forgive yourself.

Only God can forgive sins. But once He has forgiven you through Christ’s sacrifice, you can—and must—accept that forgiveness. When you do, you’re declaring that Christ’s work on the cross was sufficient, that your failure doesn’t outrank the power of His blood.

Living in Grace Through “Just 3”

This understanding transforms how we live out our mission:

Study God’s Word to understand the depth of His grace and love for you.

Share this incredible news with others who need to know they can run to Jesus, not away from Him.

Serve from aServe from a place of gratitude and freedom, not guilt or shame.

Which Direction Will You Run?

After you sin—and we all do—which direction will you run? Toward despair and shame, or toward Jesus and grace?

Peter’s restoration didn’t happen immediately. After Jesus rose from the dead, He specifically sought Peter out. On a beach in Galilee (John 21), Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?”—once for each denial. Three times Jesus restored him: “Feed my lambs. Take care of my sheep. Feed my sheep.”

Peter went on to preach at Pentecost where 3,000 people came to faith. He became a pillar of the early church. He strengthened his brothers, just as Jesus predicted. All because he ran toward grace instead of away from it.

Your Invitation Today

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we want you to know that no failure is too big for God’s grace. No sin is beyond the reach of Christ’s sacrifice. The cross proves that God’s love is greater than your worst moment.

If you’re carrying shame, guilt, or regret today, hear this truth: While you were still a sinner, Christ died for you. Not after you got better. Not after you proved yourself. Right in the middle of your mess, Jesus loved you enough to die for you.

The question isn’t whether God can forgive you—He already has through Christ. The question is: which direction will you run?

Take Action: Stop running from Jesus and run to Him today. Confess your failures, accept His forgiveness, and let His love transform you. Then join us in living out “Just 3″—studying His Word, sharing His love, and serving others as He has served you.

Visit Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes and discover a community that understands grace, celebrates restoration, and walks together in the freedom Christ provides. Because when love wins, everything changes.

Remember: Your failure is not final. Your story is not over. Run to Jesus, and watch Him turn your denial into declaration, your shame into strength, and your brokenness into blessing. That’s the power of grace. That’s the promise of the cross. That’s the mission we live every day.