2592) Though there is so much beauty in this world, it can also seem like there’s way too much pain. Some of this pain we inflict upon ourselves.

I should have done or said this; but I didn’t. I should not have done or said that; but I did, and more.

Satan understands this tendency and uses it for his advantage. If he can discourage us and encourage self-loathing, he will be successful at making it easier for us to shut down and do little for the Lord.

The disciple, Peter, had much to loathe about himself, and the biggest event, in my opinion, would be the fact that he denied even knowing Jesus, three times.

What do you think the words were that he heaped upon himself afterward? Did he feel defeat and disgust within? I’m not sure, but I know what I would have felt about myself.

God knew this too, and when Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Jesus, went to his tomb and the rock was rolled away, an angel gave the women this message:

Tell his disciples and Peter that Jesus has risen from the dead. Mark 16:7.

Why the redundancy? After all, Peter was also a disciple. There may be many reasons for these two words, and Peter, but what occurs to me is that God wanted Peter to have some peace in his spirit after his monumental failure.

God is demonstrating to Peter that He forgives him and encourages him to move forward and carry out the new work He wants him to do.

There is an amazing takeaway here: God whispers his gifts and blessings, and his spirit says, tell everyone, and you. Grace.