I've Failed Too Many Times—What Now?

A Companion Reflection to Episode 3 of The Average Pursuit

Have you ever stared at the ceiling late at night, wondering if you've blown it for good?

Maybe the thoughts sound something like this:

• “I should’ve seen the warning signs.”

• “I messed up again—I’m just wired to fail.”

• “God’s probably done with me by now.”

If you’ve ever had those thoughts (or are having them right now), I want you to know: you’re not alone. And more importantly—this isn’t the end of your story.

In Episode 3 of The Average Pursuit, I shared something deeply personal—moments of failure in parenting, moments where shame threatened to define me, and seasons where my wife and I carried heartbreak so heavy it nearly crushed us.

But that pain led us somewhere holy: to the shoreline where Jesus was waiting with breakfast… and grace.

We All Fail. But That’s Not Where the Story Ends.

Peter denied Jesus—three times. Bold, passionate Peter, the one who swore he’d never turn away, caved when it mattered most.

And yet, when Jesus rose from the dead, He didn’t return to scold Peter.

He made him breakfast.

He restored him.

He recommissioned him.

What does that tell us about the heart of God?

It tells us this: Failure is not a disqualification in the kingdom of God. It’s an invitation to grace.

But What About Your Story?

Maybe you’ve failed in ways no one else knows about.
Maybe your marriage is hanging by a thread.
Maybe your parenting feels like one big question mark.
Maybe your faith feels more like a string of regrets than a source of strength.

But here’s what I want to encourage you to ask yourself:

• What lies has shame been whispering to me?

• Have I confused my failure with my identity?

• Am I hiding from restoration because I’m afraid of what it will cost—or afraid it won’t work?

• What would change if I truly believed Jesus wasn't done with me?

Take a moment to sit with those questions. Don’t rush past them.

This is the soul work we often avoid because it's uncomfortable—but it's where healing begins.

Jesus Isn’t Shocked by Your Mistakes

He already knows.

And He already made a way.

What He’s offering you isn’t just a clean slate—it’s a new commission. Just like Peter, He’s inviting you to feed His sheep, love your family, show up again, serve others, and walk forward because of His grace, not in spite of your past.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

That verse isn’t a platitude. It’s a promise.

He is close to you in your failure.
He is ready to redeem what you thought was ruined.
He is near to the parts of you that feel too wounded to move forward.

What Now?

If this resonates with you, let me suggest three things:

1. Talk to Jesus.
   Get honest. Be specific. He’s not fragile. And He’s not surprised. He’s near.

2. Take one small step.
   You don’t have to fix everything today. Just take the next right step. Call someone. Write a letter. Ask for help. Begin again.

3. Listen to the episode if you haven’t already.
   Or listen again. Let it remind you that you're not alone—and that God is still writing your story.

🎧 Listen to Episode 3: “I’ve Failed Too Many Times—What Now?”

Final Thought

Friend, grace isn’t just for the person next to you. It’s for you—right here, right now.

Let Jesus have the final word. Not your guilt. Not your regret. Not your past.

And that final word is this:

“You are loved. You are forgiven. You are still called.”

I’d love to hear from you.
What did this episode stir up in your heart?
Where are you still believing shame over grace?

Drop a comment below or send me a message. Let’s walk this road together.

—Jonathan