Third Time is a Charm

Written By Betty Predmore

John 21: 1-25 (June 2)

Have you ever heard that saying, “Third time is a charm”? I guess it comes from people who have tried things a couple of times, but didn’t get it right until the third try.

This happened to my hubby and I yesterday. We were trying to dismantle a gazebo (trust me, if you could have been there, you would’ve been roaring with laughter!) We were trying to pull two bars apart that obviously DID have the ability to pull apart. We could SEE where they separated, but we couldn’t GET them seperated.

So, we tried again, pulling as hard as we could...NOTHING! Not even a budge. I am sweating, he is getting frustrated, we are a mess!

Then I saw the little button... it was a tiny little button down between two grooves. ( What able minded person would think to look THERE?) I pushed the tiny little button, and you won’t believe what happened! That’s right...it came apart without a problem.

Third time is a charm!!

Scripture picks up today with Jesus appearing to the disciples again by the Sea of Galilee. This is his THIRD time to appear before them. And boy, was it a charm!

They had been fishing all night and caught nothing. Until Jesus calls out to them from the shore ( they don’t yet realize it is him) and tells them to cast their net on the right side of the boat.

Here is where the “charm part” comes in... they did as suggested, and caught so many fish they couldn’t haul the net in!

It was then that Peter recognized it was Jesus. ( Who else could possible make that happen?) He swam to shore to meet up with Jesus while the others rowed in. When the rest got there, they found a breakfast of fish and bread waiting for them.

Jesus served them (of course he did) and then he asked Peter a question.

“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He asked.

“ Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”

“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.

Again he asked (2nd time), “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

Peter answered again the same way.

“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus told him.

Again, Jesus asked him (3rd time), “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

Peter is getting his feelings hurt that Jesus keeps asking him an obvious question. “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.”

Apparently, the third time was a charm, because Jesus didn’t ask again.

Jesus asks Peter to follow him, and Peter is curious about John.

“What about him, Lord?”

Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.”

Here is Peter, being asked by Jesus to follow him, and he is more concentrated on what John will be doing.

It’s kind of like when I ask my son to take out the trash. Instead of doing so, he has to ask what his sister will be doing. He wants to make sure if he is being asked to do something, so is she.

Sometimes Jesus asks us to do things, and maybe we wonder why he hasn’t asked someone else. We can think of others who would do the job better ( in our minds, anyway) and have a hard time being obedient.

Sometimes we aren’t successful at first. We have to try and try again. If that happens to you, don’t get discouraged. Keep moving forward in what God is asking of you. You might not get it exactly right first time around, but remain steadfast, because if he calls you to it, he will see you through it.

And remember...third time is a charm.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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