Steve Roach – NorthStar Church Blog

Digging Deeper – No Failure is Final

Steve Roach on February 7, 2025

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

NO FAILURE IS FINAL

Have you ever faced a setback so big that you thought it was the end? Maybe you’ve made a mistake so huge that it feels like there’s no way forward. In those moments, it’s easy to think that our failures define us, that we’ve reached a point of no return. But with Jesus, no failure is fatal.

In our devotionals this week, we’ve looked at the journey of Peter, who denied Jesus three times during the most crucial moments of Jesus’ life. After that failure, Peter could have given up. He could have believed that his mistake disqualified him from serving God. Instead, Jesus met Peter with grace and restoration. After His resurrection, Jesus didn’t cast Peter aside; He restored him and gave him a new mission. Peter went on to become one of the most influential leaders in the early church, showing us that failure is never the end when Jesus is involved.

This is the message for you today: Don’t give up. God isn’t finished with you! Failure may feel overwhelming, but it’s never the end of the story. Just as Jesus restored Peter, He wants to restore you. God’s plan for your life is bigger than any mistake you’ve made, and He is committed to carrying His work in you to completion.

Philippians 1:6 reminds us that God is at work in us, and He will continue His work until it is finished. His plans for us are not interrupted by our failures; they are refined and shaped through them. Failure might slow us down or redirect us, but with God, it is never the end. He uses our mistakes as part of His beautiful redemption story.

So, if you’re feeling like you’ve hit a wall or that your failure has defined you, remember: God is still writing your story. His grace is bigger than your failure, and His love is deeper than your mistakes. With Jesus, you can always get back up. Keep trusting, keep pressing forward, and know that God isn’t finished with you. He is still at work, and your best days are ahead.

Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Maturity at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton. He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

Digging Deeper – God Uses Failures

Steve Roach on February 6, 2025

38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.

Acts 2:38-41 (NLT)

GOD USES FAILURES

One of the most remarkable stories in history is that of Thomas Edison, the inventor of the electric light bulb. Edison faced countless failures in his quest to create a practical light bulb. In fact, he famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Each failure brought him closer to the success that would change the world.

Edison’s perseverance in the face of failure mirrors a lesson we can find in the life of Peter. Peter’s biggest failure came when he denied Jesus three times, just as Jesus had predicted. At that moment, it seemed like Peter’s failure could disqualify him from any future role in God’s plan. He was broken and ashamed, thinking he had lost his chance to serve God.

But just like Edison’s failures were stepping stones to success, Peter’s failure was not the end of his journey. After the resurrection, Jesus met Peter on the shore, offering him restoration and a new purpose. In Acts 2, Peter boldly stands before the crowd, proclaiming the message of repentance and forgiveness. The same Peter who had failed was now the one delivering the message of hope, inviting others into a new life in Christ.

Edison’s failures didn’t prevent him from inventing the light bulb; instead, they shaped his understanding and approach. Similarly, God doesn’t discard us after we fail. He uses our mistakes and weaknesses to refine us, build our faith, and prepare us for greater works. Peter’s failure became part of his testimony, giving him the compassion and authority to lead others to repentance and salvation.

If you’re facing failure today, remember that God isn’t done with you. He can use your mistakes for His purpose—just as He used Peter’s. Will you trust Him to redeem your failures and use them for His glory?

Digging Deeper – A God of Second Chances

Steve Roach on February 5, 2025

15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. 16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. 17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.

John 21:15-17 (NLT)

A GOD OF SECOND CHANCES

Imagine a potter working with clay. As the potter shapes the clay, sometimes the form doesn’t turn out as intended. Perhaps the clay cracks or loses its shape in the process. In those moments, the potter doesn’t throw the clay away. Instead, the potter gently softens it, kneads it back into a new shape, and begins again.

This is what we see in Jesus’ restoration of Peter. After Peter’s three denials of Jesus, he must have felt like that broken clay—unworthy and irreparably flawed. His failure felt final. But in John 21, Jesus met him on the shore after the resurrection and offered Peter a second chance. Not only did Jesus forgive him, but He also gave him a new purpose: “Feed my lambs,” He said, giving Peter the responsibility to care for His people.

Peter’s story reminds us that God doesn’t discard us after we fail. He offers second chances. Peter’s denials didn’t disqualify him from God’s purpose; instead, they became a part of his redemption story. Jesus used Peter’s weakness to show His grace and to build His church through him.

Like the potter with the clay, God isn’t surprised by our failures. He doesn’t give up on us when we stumble. Instead, He gently shapes us, offers forgiveness, and calls us to a renewed purpose. Peter, who once denied Jesus, became a bold leader, preaching the gospel on the church’s first day at Pentecost.

Think about the areas in your life where you’ve stumbled. Have you allowed those mistakes to define you? Remember that God is in the business of restoration. No matter how many times we fall, He’s there to offer forgiveness and a fresh start.

Jesus isn’t done with you. Just as He restored Peter, He offers you a second chance today. Will you accept His forgiveness, trust His grace, and step into the new purpose He has for you? Like the potter with the clay, He can make something beautiful out of your life, no matter the brokenness. God is ready to give you a second chance. Will you accept it?

Digging Deeper – The Testing of Our Faith

Steve Roach on February 4, 2025

28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

Matthew 14:28-31 (NLT)

THE TESTING OF OUR FAITH

Imagine a tightrope stretched across a deep canyon. A skilled tightrope walker balances confidently, crossing back and forth as the crowd watches in awe. The performer then asks, “Do you believe I can carry someone across on my back?” The crowd cheers, “Yes!” But when he asks for a volunteer, silence falls. Believing in theory is easy; stepping onto the rope requires trust. Peter faced a similar test of faith. As he stepped out of the boat during a storm, his initial focus was on Jesus. Miraculously, he walked on water. But as soon as he noticed the wind and waves, fear overwhelmed him, and he began to sink.

This story reminds us that faith is more than belief—it’s trust in action. It’s stepping onto the “tightrope” of life’s challenges, even when the winds howl and the waves rise. Testing our faith often means leaving the safety of the boat and walking into the unknown, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. The key to Peter’s moment of triumph—and failure—was his focus. While his eyes were on Jesus, he accomplished the impossible. When he focused on the storm, he faltered. Like Peter, we often start with bold faith, but the pressures of life—uncertainty, fear, or doubt—can shift our gaze away from Christ.

The good news is that even when Peter began to sink, Jesus didn’t let him drown. Instead, He immediately reached out His hand and pulled him to safety. Testing our faith isn’t about never faltering; it’s about learning to cry out, “Lord, save me!” and trusting that He will respond.

In life, storms will come, and our faith will be tested. The question is, will we focus on the chaos or the One who has authority over it? Like the crowd at the canyon, it’s not enough to cheer from the sidelines; we must step out in trust, even when it feels risky.

Take a moment to reflect: What “storm” are you facing today? What step of faith is God asking you to take? Fix your eyes on Jesus, the One who calls you to trust Him. And when your faith falters, remember His hand is always there to lift you up.

With Jesus, you can walk on water—even in the storm.

Digging Deeper – The Call to Leave the Shore

Steve Roach on February 3, 2025

18 One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. 19 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” 20 And they left their nets at once and followed him.

Matthew 4:18-20 (NLT)

THE CALL TO LEAVE THE SHORE

Picture a small sailboat tied to a dock. The boat is sturdy and safe, anchored in the harbor. But boats weren’t made to sit idle—they’re meant to explore open waters, braving winds and waves. Yet, cutting the rope to leave the dock feels risky. What if the storms are too strong? What if the boat capsizes?

Simon Peter and Andrew faced a similar choice when Jesus called them. They were fishermen, anchored in their daily routines and the security of their trade. Their nets symbolized their livelihood and identity. But when Jesus said, “Come, follow me,” they didn’t hesitate. They cut the ropes, left their nets, and stepped into the unknown with Him. Jesus wasn’t just calling them away from something—He was calling them toward something greater: a life of eternal significance. He promised to transform their skills and experiences, making them “fishers of people.” It wasn’t about abandoning who they were but repurposing their lives for His kingdom.

Like the boat tied to the dock, we often cling to what feels safe—our “nets.” These could be jobs, relationships, habits, or even fears that keep us anchored. But Jesus calls us to trust Him, to let go of the familiar, and to follow Him into the open waters of faith. Leaving the shore isn’t easy. The winds of uncertainty and waves of doubt can feel overwhelming. But just as Simon and Andrew discovered, Jesus is trustworthy. He doesn’t promise calm seas, but He does promise to be with us and to lead us to a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Take a moment to ask yourself: What is your “net”? What are you holding onto that might be keeping you from fully following Jesus? He’s calling you to leave the dock, to trust Him, and to step into His plans for your life. When Simon and Andrew let go of their nets, they stepped into a story far greater than they could have imagined—a story that is still impacting the world today. The same invitation is extended to you. Will you trust Him, leave your nets behind, and follow? The open waters await.

Digging Deeper – For God

Steve Roach on November 8, 2024

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV)

FOR GOD

Peter concludes this section of his letter by urging believers to serve one another. The problem we all battle is that we are all fundamentally bent toward seeking our glory. Notice how Peter says the focus should be on God and not ourselves. He reminds us that God is the gift giver, and we are the stewards of those gifts. When we speak and teach, we are not giving our ideas and opinions but rather the word of God. When we serve, we don’t do it in the flesh but with the strength that God supplies. We do these things “in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” The point is clear. There is no room in the body of Christ for selfish servants who seek their own glory. Paul wrote in Colossians 1:16 that we were created “for Him.” We are made for God. God designed us for His purposes. Why were all things created for Jesus? As one theologian explained, “Did he need another waterfall, an extra million stars, or a thundering herd of buffalo storming across an empty continent? No, the purpose of Creation is to point to Jesus. All of it, in its created glory, is a testimony to the power, the wonder, and the incredible beauty of our Savior.” Pastor and Theologian John Piper said, “Our salvation is for God’s sake. He created us to display his glory.” First Corinthians 10:31 (NLT) says: “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

During the 1920s, a running back for Notre Dame kept a scrapbook of newspaper clippings of his highlights and achievements on the football field. He was particularly obnoxious about how great a football player he was and his ability to get free and score. One Monday morning, after a particularly good game, he bragged about how great he was. During the first play of practice, the team lined up to run a play. When the ball was snapped, the offensive line, which typically blocked for him, stood aside and let the defense in. The defense buried him for a loss. His blockers on the offensive line shouted, “They can’t do that! Show them your newspaper clippings!” That self-centered player may be why Notre Dame football players don’t have names on the back of their jerseys to this day. The idea is that no player plays for himself but rather for the good and success of the team. It’s not about the player’s name on the back of the jersey but the team’s name on the front.

In the same way, God did not create us to lead self-centered lives that are all about us. That is not why He created us. He created us to make much of His name and to fulfill His purposes. Ask God to help you make your life more about Him and others than yourself.

Digging Deeper – Love Covers

Steve Roach on November 7, 2024

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.

1 Peter 4:8 (ESV)

LOVE COVERS

Peter promotes love as the primary trait we should display in our relationships with other believers. The reason, Peter explains, is that love covers a multitude of sins. This does not mean that love ignores, overlooks, or tries to hide sin. Instead, Peter probably was thinking back to his words in 4:1–2 that believers should live the rest of their lives according to God’s will and not human desires. As believers, they were “finished with sin.” The “covering of sins” is the believer’s ability to forgive one another because Christ has forgiven them. Remember Peter’s conversation with the Lord: “Lord, how many times must I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? As many as seven times?” “I tell you, not as many as seven,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21-22, CSB).

In the early days of television, there was a sitcom in which two characters discussed an acquaintance who had the annoying habit of slapping his friends across the chest whenever they met. “I’ve got a solution,” said one character to the other. “I put a stick of dynamite in my vest pocket, and the next time he slaps me, he is going to get his hand blown off.” He hadn’t bothered to think the dynamite would hurt him more than his friend.

Pastor and author David Jeremiah says, “An unforgiving spirit is like that. The Bible tells us to beware of the root of bitterness that can spring up and defile many. Jesus told us to be quick and frequent forgivers. His phrase ‘seventy times seven’ wasn’t intended to give us a literal count, but to convey an ongoing attitude.” Whenever someone hurts us, we can either hold on to the grudge or process it on our knees, releasing the bitterness and leaving the matter in God’s hands. In other words, don’t walk around with dynamite in your pocket. Are you withholding forgiveness from someone who has hurt you in some way? How do you speak about this person? Spend a few moments thinking about the benefits of forgiving someone and how that outweighs holding a grudge against someone. Praise God for being a God who forgives. Thank Him for forgiving you of all your sins – past, present, and future – through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

Digging Deeper – Stay Ready

Steve Roach on November 6, 2024

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.

1 Peter 4:7 (ESV)

STAY READY

These early Christians who faced persecution took great comfort in the fact that their suffering would one day end and that the evil ways of the wicked would be judged. Peter, like the other apostles, was always aware that Christ could return at any moment (see Romans 13:11–12; 1 Corinthians 7:29; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:3; 1 John 2:18). Likewise, as believers, we need to be mindful that “the end of all things is near,” for Christ can come at any time. To be ready, Peter tells us to think clearly and restrain ourselves from sin as we lean on the Lord in prayer.

Pastor Rick Ezell writes: “George Tulloch led an expedition to the spot where the Titanic sank in 1912. He and his crew recovered numerous artifacts. Before leaving the site, Tulloch’s team set out to raise a 20-ton piece of iron. They successfully lifted it to the surface, but a storm blew in, the ropes broke, and the Atlantic reclaimed her treasure. Tulloch was forced to retreat and regroup. Before he left, he did something curious. He descended into the deep and, with the robotic arm of his submarine, attached a strip of metal to a section of the hull. On the metal, he’d written these words, ‘I will come back, George Tulloch.’”

Jesus uttered the exact words to His disciples: “I will come back.” Jesus made a promise He intends to keep. We just don’t know when He will come for us. In C.S. Lewis’s Voyage of the Dawn Treader, a conversation between Lucy and Aslan, the lion who is the Christ figure in the story, unfolds: “Do not look so sad. We shall meet soon again.” “Please, Aslan,” said Lucy, “What do you call soon?” “I call all times soon,” said Aslan; and instantly he was vanished away. James tells us that until we meet Jesus, we should strengthen our hearts and patiently endure, knowing it will all be worth it. Are you ready for His coming?

If today was your last day on earth, what undone “business” would you take care of? What is keeping you from acting on these things today? How does the assurance of Jesus’ return help you endure difficult times? Praise God for being a promise-keeping God. Thank Him for the hope and promise of Jesus’ second coming.

Digging Deeper – Peer Pressure

Steve Roach on November 5, 2024

4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

1 Peter 4:4-5 (ESV)

PEER PRESSURE

When you begin to follow Jesus, you won’t desire the same worldly lifestyle that you used to enjoy. Your unbelieving friends may be surprised that you no longer want to do the same things or visit the usual places. Peter reminds us that these friends will not only be shocked at our changing desires and behavior, but they will malign us. They may take your avoidance as an insult. The word for “malign” in the Greek language means to “heap abuse on” or “slander.” Peter doesn’t want us to feel the pressure to garner their acceptance, so he reminds us that they will have to give account to God for their carnal lifestyle and choices one day.

How else can we stand against the pressure to conform? The principle in the following verse is critical to our pursuit of godliness. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (ESV) says, “And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” There is power in numbers! We need positive peer pressure from other believers to encourage us to stay strong and fight well. Christianity is not a solo sport. It’s a team effort. You need other believers’ gifts, strength, and encouragement to keep you strong. And others need you. Who are your running partners? Who will be with you when the going gets tough?

When you see geese heading south for the winter, flying along in a “V” formation, you might be interested in knowing that science has discovered why they fly that way. Research has revealed that as each bird flaps its wings, it uplifts the bird immediately behind it. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew independently. Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go alone. It quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front. When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back in the “V,” and another goose flies the point. The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. Even geese have learned the power of community! Ask the Lord to give encouraging friends who make you want to stay true to the Lord.

Digging Deeper – Resolve to Resist

Steve Roach on November 4, 2024

1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.

1 Peter 4:1-3 (ESV)

RESOLVE TO RESIST

In 1 Peter 4, the apostle Peter instructs his readers to arm themselves with the same resolve and way of thinking that Jesus Christ had so that they might abstain from the carnal desires that war against them. Peter reminded them that they had already spent enough time in their past doing the things that unbelievers (“Gentiles”) like to do. They have ceased to do such things because of their faithfulness to Christ. Why does Peter give them this reminder? There are times, as believers when we fail to have this resolve toward sin, and it gets the better of us.

Psychiatrist Dr. Stephen Grosz points to research that shows we usually don’t respond when a fire alarm rings. Instead of leaving the building immediately, we stand around and wait for more clues. But then, even with more information, we still won’t make a move—and sometimes that proves deadly. For instance, in 1985, 56 people were killed when a fire broke out in the stands of a soccer match in England. Close examination of television footage later showed that fans did not react immediately and continued to watch both the fire and the game, failing to move toward the exits. Grosz concludes: “After 25 years as a psychoanalyst, I can’t say that this surprises me. We resist change. Committing ourselves to a small change, even one that is unmistakably in our best interest is often more frightening than ignoring a dangerous situation.”

When God alarms us of sin and impurity in our lives, we are best served to exit that sin and run to God immediately. If we hesitate, procrastinate, or rationalize our behavior, we will endanger ourselves and those around us. God shows us our imperfections not to discourage us but to point us to grace and provide the power to overcome them.

How do you typically respond when facing the ugliness of your sin? Why is it more harmful to procrastinate when dealing with the habitual sin in our lives? Proverbs 28:13 (CSB) says, “The one who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.” Give thanks to God for the grace that awaits you every time you turn away from a sinful attitude or behavior and turn toward Him in obedience. Ask Him for Christ’s resolve to battle the sinful desires waging war within you.