Have you ever felt like you have fallen short? Have you ever thought, “What have I done? How could I have done this? How could I have sunk so far” Regret and remorse can be some of the most painful feelings we experience.

My heart goes out to each of us when we feel our hearts drift away from the gospel. I believe we all have our moments.

I read about the Apostle Peter this morning. The Rock. Peter was the chief Apostle and the leader of the Twelve, yet in the last moments of Christ’s life, Peter did something I think we can all relate to: he denied the Christ.

Now some have speculated that perhaps Christ told Peter to deny Him. That may be. Regardless, the act was still a painful thing for Peter to do.

I feel a deep love for Peter when I read this story. I just ask myself, “Would I have done any better?” Christ predicted that the cock would crow after Peter denied him three times, and when that happened, Peter wept bitterly.

I picture Peter in agony. He denied his Savior only hours after he declared he would never do that.

Peter’s story does not end here. It took time. Even after the Christ was resurrected, Peter chose to go fishing rather than live up to what Christ wanted. Christ had to come and ask him, “Lovest thou me more than these?” Christ then told him to feed His sheep.

Peter changed and grew and became one of the greatest disciples to walk the earth. He went through agony and lived and died for Jesus Christ. His denial of Christ does not define him.

Just like with Peter, God wants us to become active members of the Church, proceeding forward on the covenant path. He wants us to move forward and leave the past behind. We do not have to be defined by how we have fallen short. 

President Oaks gave us four suggestions to overcome our doubts and struggles that hold us back:

1. First, strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ.
2. Second, increase our humility.
3. Third, seek help from others.
4. Fourth, be patient.

I believe we all have our Peter moments, and those moments might last for years. If you are struggling to be active in the church for whatever reason, know that Jesus Christ loves you. He loved Peter. He provided a way back. He can do that for you. Please don’t give up.