I can relate to Peter in so many ways. 

There were two times when Jesus asked Peter to follow Him. The first call was simply, “Follow me.” The second call came after Peter had utterly failed Jesus by denying Him (see John 21:19). The first call brought Peter into the beginning of his relationship and friendship with Jesus. The second call was made when Peter hit bottom and came to the end of himself.

Throughout his three years with Jesus, Peter had matured in spurts and painful stretches of growth. Yet, he struggled to understand the purpose and path Jesus was leading him on. When it counted the most, to save his own life, he denied three times that he even knew Jesus. Only then was he able to get a glimpse into the true condition of his heart. 

After the resurrection, Jesus again told Peter, “Follow me.” Peter would never be the same again. He had personally witnessed and experienced a new depth of redeeming love.

Jesus has never given up on me. I could not clean up my act enough before or after I began to follow Jesus. When I hit rock-bottom and came to the end of myself, I also experienced a new depth of His redeeming love, changing me forever.

When I heard Jesus say, “Follow me,” I said” Yes Lord!”