It's never to late to turn over a new leaf. Deciding to do something different to make your life or the lives of others better is a noble thing to do. Second chances are a wonderful demonstration of the grace of God in our lives. I've certainly benefited from second chances in my life journey. My second chance verse is Joel 2:25 "And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten"
Peter got a second chance as did Jonah. David prayed for a second chance: Psalm 51:12 "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit." Nearly every Bible hero you can think of received a second chance and an opportunity to turn over a new leaf. It's not a shame to benefit from being offered a second chance, it's mostly the norm.
George Bush got a 2nd chance in 1994. Ted Haggard is presently on a second chance tour to apologize for his failures. It seems Michael Vick is going to get a second chance. We are admonished over and over in God's word to be compassionate and lift up those who may have fallen. We are not to judge or condemn, we are to restore.
I found this poem which inspired me at the beginning of another school year.
He came to my desk with quivering lip...
"Dear Teacher I want a new leaf," he said,
"I have spoiled this one."
I took the old leaf, stained and blotted,
And gave him a new one all unspotted,
And into his sad eyes smiled,
"Do better now, my child."
I went to the throne with a quivering soul..
The old year was done.
"Dear Father, hast Thou a new leaf for me?
I have spoiled this one.
"He took the old leaf, stained and blotted,
And gave me a new one all unspotted,
And into my sad heart smiled,
"Do better now, My child." ----- Kathleen Wheeler
He is a God of second chances. Go ahead, turn over that leaf.
Mr. Probst, I am a big fan of second chances! I am so glad you put this up here. This has just been on my heart lately. I do not see how God could look at all of us sinners and just forgive us so easily. Although, I know he does, all the time. Even we do not deserve a second chance at all we are still given one.
ReplyDeleteI believe that since God is a God of second chances we should give second chances more often. So many times we look at people and think of the wrong they have done against us, what if God did that to us? We would stand no chance ever being right with God again. I guess this has all been on my mind and heart becasue God has given me many second chances lately.
I think this is great! I know how many times I have failed in my lifetime, and it's good to be reminded that God will alaways give me a second chance!
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