Restoration Through Disappointment: Embracing Christ's Call

Devotional

Day 1: Resist the Urge to Return to Your Old Life

When disappointment and uncertainty cloud your vision, it can be tempting to retreat to the comfort of old habits, familiar routines, or past ways of thinking. Like Peter and the disciples, who returned to fishing after Jesus’ resurrection, we may find ourselves drawn back to what once felt safe or successful. Yet, when God has called you forward, He will not allow you to find fulfillment in what you left behind. The old life may seem attractive because it is familiar, but it cannot satisfy or bring the peace and joy that come from walking in God’s new direction for you. Instead of trying to force what no longer fits, trust that God’s call is leading you to something greater, even if the path ahead is unclear. [18:39]

John 21:1-3 (ESV)
After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you are tempted to return to old habits or comforts instead of trusting God’s new direction? What would it look like to let go and step forward in faith today?

Day 2: Recognize the Savior’s Voice and Obey

In moments of frustration and fruitless effort, Jesus often stands nearby, ready to guide you if you are willing to listen. The disciples, after a night of catching nothing, heard a voice from the shore instructing them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. Their obedience, even when it seemed simple or unlikely, led to an overwhelming blessing. Recognizing the Lord’s voice and responding in faith, even in small things, can open the door to God’s provision and presence. Sometimes, it is not about striving harder but about being attentive and responsive to the gentle direction of Jesus, who knows exactly what you need. [21:10]

John 21:4-6 (ESV)
Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.

Reflection: Where in your life do you sense Jesus inviting you to trust Him and try a new approach? How can you listen for and respond to His voice today, even in the ordinary moments?

Day 3: Receive the Savior’s Restoration

After failure or disappointment, Jesus does not come to condemn but to restore. He meets you in your brokenness, not with harsh correction, but with gentle love and a renewed commission. Just as Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?”—mirroring Peter’s three denials—He offers you the chance to reaffirm your love and step into your calling again. Restoration with Jesus is not just about being forgiven; it is about being sent forward with purpose. No matter how you have faltered, Jesus’ desire is to restore you, confirm your love, and invite you to serve Him afresh. [33:41]

John 21:15-17 (ESV)
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.”

Reflection: After a disappointment or failure, how is Jesus inviting you to receive His restoration and step forward in service? What is one way you can respond to His commission today?

Day 4: True Discipleship Depends on the Savior’s Grip, Not Your Strength

It is easy to believe that your commitment, courage, or competence will keep you faithful, but true discipleship is rooted in the assurance that Jesus holds you fast. Peter learned that his own promises and strength were not enough; only the Savior’s love and grip could sustain him. When you feel weak or uncertain, remember that your security is not in your own ability but in Christ’s faithfulness. Leaning on Jesus, rather than your own resolve, is the foundation for lasting discipleship and hope. [33:41]

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Reflection: In what area of your life are you relying on your own strength or commitment? How can you intentionally lean on Jesus’ sufficiency and grace today?

Day 5: God’s Restoration Deals with the Root, Not Just the Surface

Worldly solutions may offer a “system restore” that simply resets you to an earlier state, but God’s restoration goes deeper—He removes the root issue and sets you on a new path. Like Peter, who was not just forgiven but truly restored and recommissioned, you are invited to let God address the underlying disappointments, sins, or doubts that keep you stuck. God’s love never fails, and His grace is sufficient to bring you into a brighter future if you allow Him to do the deep work of restoration in your heart. [42:13]

Psalm 51:10-12 (ESV)
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Reflection: What is one area of disappointment or brokenness where you need God’s deep restoration? Will you invite Him to address the root and trust Him for a new beginning today?

Sermon Summary

After the resurrection, it’s easy to imagine that everything should be different, that joy and clarity should fill every moment. Yet, as we see in John 21, even those closest to Jesus—like Peter—struggled with disappointment, confusion, and the urge to return to old patterns. The resurrection is not just a day to celebrate, but the very reason we gather, the foundation of our hope. Still, the reality is that disappointment is a constant companion in life. The way we handle it, and with whom we handle it, determines whether we remain stuck in melancholy or move toward restoration.

Peter’s story is a mirror for our own. After all he had seen and experienced, he still found himself unsure of what to do next. In his uncertainty, he returned to fishing—his old life, his comfort zone. But when God has called us forward, returning to what is familiar will never satisfy. The old life may be comfortable, but it cannot fulfill us once we’ve been transformed by Christ. God, in His mercy, often frustrates our attempts to go back, not to punish us, but to remind us that we are made new and called to something greater.

When Jesus appears on the shore, He doesn’t chastise Peter for his confusion or failure. Instead, He gently restores him. The conversation around the charcoal fire is not just about correction, but about commission. Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?”—not to shame him, but to draw out the love and commitment that still remain, even after disappointment and failure. The restoration Jesus offers is not a simple reset; it is a deep healing that addresses the root of our brokenness. Unlike the world’s version of restoration, which merely rewinds the clock, Jesus removes the “virus” and sets us on a new path.

True discipleship is not built on our own courage, commitment, or competence, but on the assurance that Christ holds us fast. Even when we falter, His love never fails. The question for each of us, after disappointment and failure, is simple: Do you still love Jesus? If so, He calls us to serve, to move forward in His grace, and to trust His process of restoration.

Key Takeaways

1. Disappointment is inevitable, but how we respond determines our spiritual trajectory. If we allow disappointment to fester without bringing it to Jesus, it can become a lingering melancholy that saps our hope and energy. Restoration begins when we invite Christ into our disappointment and trust Him to lead us forward. [08:28]
2. The temptation to return to old habits, relationships, or mindsets is strongest when we feel lost or uncertain. Yet, when God has called us to something new, He will not allow us to find fulfillment in what we left behind. Our former comforts become empty, reminding us that true satisfaction is found only in obedience to Christ’s call. [15:58]
3. Jesus meets us in our brokenness with gentleness and understanding, tailoring His response to our deepest needs. He does not simply correct our failures; He commissions us anew, affirming our worth and purpose in His kingdom. Restoration is not about erasing the past, but about being sent forward with renewed purpose. [24:12]
4. Our love for Christ is not measured by our past promises or our ability to avoid failure, but by our willingness to return to Him after we fall. True discipleship is not sustained by self-generated courage or competence, but by the assurance that Christ holds us securely, even when we doubt ourselves. [33:41]
5. God’s restoration is deeper than the world’s solutions. While the world offers a “system restore” that merely resets the surface, Jesus removes the root cause of our brokenness and sets us on a new course. When we allow Him to address our disappointments, we discover that His grace is sufficient and His love never fails, opening the way to a brighter future. [42:13]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:55] - Reading John 21:1-8, 15-17
[04:27] - Introduction: Dealing with Disappointment
[06:16] - Mourning vs. Melancholia
[08:28] - The Nature of Disappointment
[09:46] - The Urge to Return to the Old Life
[11:58] - The Comfort and Trap of Familiarity
[12:44] - Wrestling with the Meaning of Resurrection
[15:58] - The Futility of Going Back
[18:39] - When Old Ways No Longer Work
[20:18] - Jesus Appears on the Shore
[21:10] - Recognizing the Voice of the Savior
[24:12] - Restoration Over Correction
[26:34] - The Question of Love: “Do You Love Me More Than These?”
[31:06] - Remembering Our Promises to God
[33:41] - True Discipleship: Assurance in Christ
[38:27] - Restoration Through Remembrance
[42:13] - God’s Restoration vs. the World’s
[46:09] - Prayer for Restoration

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 21:1-8, 15-17 — (This was the main text read and referenced throughout the sermon.)

Observation Questions

In John 21, what did Peter decide to do after the resurrection, and who went with him?
What was the result of Peter and the other disciples’ night of fishing?
How did Jesus interact with the disciples when He appeared on the shore? What did He say and do?
During the conversation by the charcoal fire, how many times did Jesus ask Peter, “Do you love me?” and what did He command Peter to do each time?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Peter chose to return to fishing after all he had experienced with Jesus? What does this reveal about how people often respond to disappointment or uncertainty? [[09:46]]
The sermon said that when God has called us forward, returning to what is familiar will never satisfy. Why is it that old habits or comforts lose their appeal after we’ve encountered Christ? [[15:58]]
Jesus didn’t shame Peter for his failure but instead restored and commissioned him. What does this teach us about the way Jesus deals with our disappointments and failures? [[24:12]]
The sermon compared the world’s “system restore” to God’s restoration. What is the difference between the two, and why does it matter for our spiritual lives? [[42:13]]

Application Questions

The sermon said disappointment is a constant companion in life, but how we handle it and with whom we handle it determines whether we stay stuck or move toward restoration. When you face disappointment, who do you usually turn to, and how does that affect your spiritual health? [[08:28]]
Peter went back to fishing because it was familiar and comfortable, but it didn’t satisfy him anymore. Are there “old habits” or “comfort zones” in your life that you tend to return to when you feel lost or disappointed? What are they, and how do you sense God calling you forward instead? [[11:58]]
Jesus met Peter in his brokenness with gentleness and understanding. Think about a recent failure or disappointment in your life. How do you imagine Jesus would respond to you in that moment? [[24:12]]
Jesus’ question to Peter was not about shaming him but about drawing out his love and commitment. If Jesus asked you today, “Do you love me?” after a season of disappointment or failure, how would you answer? What would it look like to respond honestly? [[33:41]]
The sermon said that true discipleship is not built on our own courage or competence, but on the assurance that Christ holds us fast. In what areas of your life are you relying on your own strength instead of trusting Jesus to hold you? [[33:41]]
God’s restoration goes deeper than just “resetting” our lives; He removes the root cause of our brokenness. Is there a disappointment or hurt in your life that you’ve tried to “move on” from without really letting Jesus address the root? What would it look like to invite Him into that place? [[42:13]]
After Peter’s restoration, Jesus gave him a new commission: “Feed my sheep.” Is there a way God might be calling you to serve or move forward, even after a season of disappointment? What step could you take this week to say “yes” to that call? [[24:12]]

Sermon Clips

But how you handle it and who you handle it with will determine whether or not you languish in melancholy or move to the place of restoration. That's what I want to argue on today from this particular text. And so here is the first major point. The first point, I've only got two today. [00:09:15] (21 seconds) Edit Clip

When God has moved you forward, you can go back if you want to, but he will frustrate your plans. He will frustrate all of your desires and the things, the things that you used to do, the stuff that you used to get done maybe in a few hours now takes you days to do. Why? Because God is saying you've gone back, and if you've gone back trying to run away from what I'm calling you to, then guess what? You'll never be successful. It'll never happen for you. Why? Because I've called you from something to something else. [00:17:12] (37 seconds) Edit Clip

Doesn't matter how effortless things were back then, doesn't matter how easy things were back then, when you go back there, there's always difficulty and excessive. Anybody ever been there where you've tried to return to some of those? You said, man, I used to be good at this. Like, this was the thing that I did well, and sometimes people would applaud me for these things, and now it seems as if I've lost it. What? That might be the Lord telling you that's not for you anymore. Don't waste your time there. Don't spend your time on that particular thing, especially if you know I called you to something else. And so that's what Peter shows us, that when God has called you forward, he won't allow you to go back, not and be content. [00:17:51] (49 seconds) Edit Clip

Stop trying to force square pegs into round holes when God says, I've made you anew. I've transformed you and I've done something for you that you cannot undo. I don't care how much you try. Now you can lull and you can lay around and do it how you want to do it. And so you can stay in this state of melancholy, but you will not see my peace. You will not access my joy as long as you try to do it apart from what I'm calling you to. [00:19:41] (35 seconds) Edit Clip

It is certainly the Word, right? Made flesh. It is certainly the miracles and the signs, right? There are a number of signs. But you will also understand that one of the key themes in the Gospel of John is love. This thing about love. As a matter of fact, he told them that by this, meaning what? Love, that the world would know that you are my disciples. [00:25:59] (26 seconds) Edit Clip

Remember all those vows and promises you made to the Lord at different points in your journey? Remember what you said that you would never do or what you said you would always do? Remember you said, Lord, if you get me through this, I'll never go this way again. Remember you said, Lord, just get me out of this trap. Get me out of this situation and I promise I'll serve you until I die. And so all God is asking is not so much the failure, not so much that you didn't do what was right, but where is that passion? Where is that desire? Where is that heartfelt love that you said you had for me way back? Is that still there? [00:32:28] (39 seconds) Edit Clip

But only through your assurance in the fact that the Savior has you in his grip. I'll give that to you again. Again, true discipleship cannot, will not be accomplished by your courage. I'll never shrink back from you, Lord. I'll always be, I'll always stand up for you. That's your own courage. That's self -made. Your self -generated commitment, nor your competence, but only through your assurance in the fact that the Savior has you in his grip. It won't be because you believe you're big and bad enough to do it. That won't keep you from failing the Savior. It won't be because you promised that you always would or never would. That won't keep you from failing the Savior. It won't be because you're really smart and you feel like you know everything there is to know about the Word of God and the faith. But it'll only be because you've learned to lean on the Savior. Can I get a witness? [00:34:00] (58 seconds) Edit Clip

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