A Life That Matters

The motley tribe of seven disciples sat quietly beside the sea trying to understand the most recent swirl of events. Their time spent as Jesus’ close companions had given them direction and a purpose. But now, everything was changing so quickly. Their teacher, friend, and Messiah had been tortured, humiliated, and killed by Roman soldiers. Many of His followers heard Him utter His last words and breathe His final breath. But then, Jesus appeared to them alive! They had actually seen Him, touched Him, and even eaten with Him. Completely overwhelmed by a whirlwind of emotions, they silently sat on the familiar shoreline staring out at the water. What were they supposed to do now? Their whole world had been turned upside down – again. Was their mission over? Were they finished?

I imagine Peter’s mind suddenly began flashing one scene after another. After all, nearby was the spot where he first met Jesus, where he heard His words calm a mighty storm, and where he’d seen Jesus walk on water. Like thumbing through a stack of snapshots, Peter’s mind flipped to the one of Jesus casting demons into a herd of pigs. His mind stayed there long enough to watch the possessed pigs fall over a high cliff. Satan’s cohorts Guilt and Shame kept trying to freezeframe the Jesus highlight reel rolling through Peter’s mind. They wanted his thoughts stuck on the three times he had denied even knowing Jesus. Peter tried not to stop on those images because it hurt too much. Instead, he forced himself to remember Jesus healing Jairus’ daughter, and the strong, powerful message He preached to all those gathered on the mountain in the distance. So much had happened around this very region over the last three years!  

Trying to escape the emotions, Peter impulsively jumped up and announced, “I’m going fishing!” (John 21:3) Maybe going back to something familiar, something he knew, would help him calm his heart and mind. Besides, he could use the income. 

After wrestling with all the memories and fishing all night, the disciples’ nets remained empty. Suddenly, a voice from the shore told them to put their net on the other side of the boat. When they did, they caught a boatload of fish. That’s when John’s mind flipped through his own bundle of snapshots. He remembered this same scene happening one other time, so he joyfully shouted, “It’s the Lord!” (John 21:7) Peter jumped into the water, washing away all of his anxiety. Seeing Jesus alive one more time erased his doubts and fears.  

Jesus knew His disciples. He understood that things hadn’t worked out like they imagined. They were still somewhat depressed about past events and anxious about the future. So, Jesus did what He still does for us today. He showed up. He fed them. And He forgave. No one else could have effectively ministered to these men – only Jesus. 

Sometimes, we want someone we love and respect to come after us and try to make things better. We want THEM to validate our worth and help us feel like we matter. Certainly, God gives us friends and family to help us on our journey. But, those people can never do for us what Jesus can do. When we begin running back to some old habit, some old flame, some old lifestyle, or even an old negative emotion, wise friends stay close, but they always point us to Jesus. They keep pointing us toward what we truly NEED, not toward want we THINK we need. 

When Guilt and Shame threaten your Jesus highlight reel, resist getting caught in a swirl of negative emotion. Be thankful for the guilt; it shows you what you’ve done wrong so that you can go to Jesus for healing and make things right. However, Shame tries to convince you that you aren’t good enough to go to Jesus, and you never will be. The good news is, you don’t have to be good enough. (2 Corinthians 12:9) His grace covers every believer. HE makes you good enough. (Romans 3:22-24) Good enough to lead others. (1 Peter 2:9) Good enough to serve them. (1 Peter 4:10) Good enough to love. (1 John 4:10-12) Good enough that you don’t have to go to anyone else to prove you matter! You already matter to God – and that is enough for all of us. (Ephesians 1:4-8)

Shortly after Jesus and Peter worked through things beside the Sea of Galilee, Jesus ascended back to Heaven to be with God. Then, the forgiven and redeemed Peter went about proclaiming the living hope that comes only through the resurrection of Jesus. I have to believe that years later when Peter flipped back through his memories, he had to smile when he landed on the ones that Shame and Guilt wanted him to stay focused on. Those snapshots reminded him of all that Jesus had healed and forgiven, and they became his motivation for living a thankful life that honored God in every way. 

Peter’s example of a life that matters lives on for all of us. His mission was not over that day on the shoreline. He was not finished – and neither are you!

“God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
May God give you more and more grace and peace.” 
(1 Peter 1:2 NLT)

Posted in
A Life That Matters Cover Image

My Pleasure, Chick-fil-A

By Donna Jackson | August 5, 2025 |

Last week, Ron and I, along with five other couples, had the privilege of touring the Chick-fil-A Support Center in Atlanta. From the moment you drive onto the property, you notice the attention to excellence paid to every small detail: manicured lawns, lush plants, crystal-clear windows, shining floors, and even sweet-smelling restrooms. Smiles brighten the…

When Did Your Journey Begin?

By Donna Jackson | July 29, 2025 |

It fills my heart with happy to introduce you to my Jamaican friend, Kaidean Rice. I’ve watched her love for God grow into a beautiful display of joy and peace that only comes from walking hand-in-hand with Jesus. Read her description of how her journey began and be inspired to move a little closer to…

Replay the Stories Behind Your Scars

By Donna Jackson | July 22, 2025

Mothers often habitually latch onto childhood misadventures and hit the replay button for anyone willing to listen. (I’m shamefully guilty of doing that with my children.) However, no one seemed to enjoy it more than my mother. My mischievous spirit definitely gave her plenty of material for storytelling, enough to make listeners’ eyes glaze over.  Mother…

A Summer Read for You

By Donna Jackson | July 15, 2025

Looking for an uplifting summer read that inspires a deeper love for Jesus? What if there were a miracle greater than physical healing? Would you want it? Follow Denise Johnson’s battle with Stage 4 cancer and discover how you can transform your struggle into something you might not expect. This is by no means a…

Do You Know Who You’re Talking To?

By Donna Jackson | July 8, 2025

Before I began teaching full-time, I substituted for seven years in a K-12 school. My days with kindergarten children found me counting objects, naming colors, giving sounds to letters, tying shoes, and wiping noses. I soon learned that staying aware of middle-schoolers’ raging hormones was essential. And a week with twelfth graders required extra study…

Hope for the Tired Soul

By Donna Jackson | July 1, 2025

Recently, I came across an unfamiliar theological term. Naturally, the schoolteacher in me did what I used to tell my students to do when they encountered a new word – I looked it up! I had heard the words ‘orthodoxy’ and ‘orthopraxy’. (Don’t let those words stop you from reading further. This is going to…

Who’s at the End of Your Pipeline?

By Donna Jackson | June 24, 2025

If you’ve ever built or remodeled a house, chances are you’ve had pieces of PVC pipe lying around. When these pipes are new, they are pristine, clean, and white. That’s good since drinking water usually flows through them. However, over time, these pipes can develop residue that sticks and restricts water flow. This buildup can…

A Fresh Fragrance

By Donna Jackson | June 10, 2025

Arguably, most of us are addicted to something. Some are addicted to drugs or alcohol. Others to pleasure, power, possessions, or a combination of other things. As for me, I am addicted to a judgmental spirit. There! I said it out loud (sort of)! I spent most of my years focused on being an outward…

Overcoming the Slow Erosion of Hope

By Donna Jackson | June 3, 2025

Knowing that God is working THROUGH us to accomplish something of eternal value warms our hearts with joy; however, God working IN us is another matter. More often than not, exchanging our fleshly desires for godly ones is not a quick yank. It’s more like slowly peeling a Band-Aid off a hairy arm. The hairier…

Chasing a Rabbit Born of Water

By Donna Jackson | May 27, 2025

You’ve laced up your boots, strapped on your backpack, and headed down a well-worn and familiar path. Before seeing them, you can picture every tall tree, mossy boulder, and narrow stream. You smile when you see your own boot prints etched in the dirt along the way. You know the trail by heart because you’ve…