By Larry Stover
The Selma Times-Journal

Spring is a beautiful time of the year. Everything is coming to life. Even plants, we thought were dead, find a way to generate a new beginning.

It is almost like everything is getting a new start. It is exciting to watch it all progress like a chrysalis transforming into a beautiful butterfly.

This transformation reminds me a lot of life. The news has been replete with every kind of life changing situation imaginable. So many people have had their world turned upside down. In a moment of time, people’s lives have been changed forever. It can be very discouraging and even depressing. Which way do they turn for help?

As I examine the stories of people who have made poor choices, or have been caught up in the life changing events of their lives, I am reminded of Simon Peter following the arrest of Jesus.

The chapter 18 of Gospel of John, records the denial of Jesus by Peter. This same disciple had promised to die with Jesus before he would think of denying Him. As the rooster crowed, Peter understood that the words of the master had come true. The Bible tells us that Peter went away weeping thinking of this deed he thought was not even possible.

We pick up this epoch in the life of Peter in the 20th chapter of John’s Gospel. The resurrection has taken place and the disciples are still trying to put the pieces back together in their shattered lives.

As the story unfolds, Peter and six other disciples decide to get their minds off the events of the weekend and go fishing. After toiling all night, they had nothing. As the day is breaking they hear a voice from the shore, “Cast your nets on the right side of the boat.” After doing that, their nets were so full they could hardly pull the fish into their boats.

It was at this moment that the apostle John tells Peter, “It is the Lord!” Peter jumps into the lake and swims to shore. Jesus had already prepared breakfast. Following some food and fellowship, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me more than fish?” When the Lord had called them to be disciples, He told them that, “they would become fishers of men.” As Peter’s relationship with Jesus was being restored, the fisherman had to decide what was really important in life. “Is my relationship with the Savior more important than anything else?”

Simon Peter had denied the Lord three times. His world was shattered. Peter might not have even thought the Lord would ever forgive him.

The truth is, Jesus not only forgave and reconciled Peter back to God, he also wants to forgive us and restore us back to a daily relationship with him.

If your life is falling apart and you feel that Jesus Christ would never forgive you and give you a fresh start, think about Simon Peter. Just as Spring is about new life and fresh beginnings, so the savior is all about new starts and fresh beginnings.

Don’t let the flowers on your patio be the only things to get a new start, Jesus is ready to make your life “simply beautiful!”