Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Second Chances

I’ve heard it said, “God is a God of second chances.” I agree with that, but at the same time I don’t. I’m a person who has had second chances, third chances and chances upon chances, so I know all about God’s abundant grace. Still, there are times when we don’t get a second chance.

That encounter with that person today may be your last or only chance to share Christ’s love with them.

Someone you love may leave this world, making this your last chance to say, “I love you”, “I’m sorry” or “I forgive you.”

If you speak words in anger (or just carelessly) you could really hurt someone, you can’t take them back and no matter how sorry you are the scars still exist.

If you’re not obedient to follow God’s lead, that door of opportunity may not open again.

If you make bad decisions you will experience the consequences.

If you break the law you will have to pay the price. Note: have you ever heard national author and speaker, Carol Kent’s story? Her son boldly shot and killed another man in a moment of rage. He is serving a life sentence in prison. Not only can he not take back that day, the other man doesn’t get a second chance either.

If you die you will not have another chance to make it right and you will also have to stand before God and answer for the decisions you made. (Rom 14:10)

Sometime, someday it WILL be your last chance!

That’s why God’s Word says, “Today is the day of salvation.” (II Cor 6:2)

That’s why we must “make the most of every opportunity.” (Col 4:5)

That’s why we must share Christ’s love with the world, being His ambassador. (II Cor 5:20) Really loving them. (Rom 12:9-10)

We may get another chance, we may not. God is not required to give us another chance. It is only by his grace that we get one. We should be grateful for every moment God gives us and not waste it! (I Tim 1:4) Each day is a gift from Him.

We don’t know when it will be our last chance. Whether we die tomorrow or years from now, we will never get THIS DAY back again. This is our one chance to live this one day!

What will you do with your chance today?

Thank God for His grace and forgiveness. Commit this day...and your life to Him.  Thank Him for your second (or third or fourth or whatever) chance today. Then live THIS DAY to the fullest, seeking ways to honor Him…and I will choose to do the same!  Let's not waste this day of opportunity!!

3 comments:

  1. What a great post and a great reminder! I love what you said about how God is not required to give us a second chance. And I love the reminder that we will never get THIS DAY back again!
    How easy it is to just go with the motions, to just take life for granted, to get caught up in the busyness of life. Thank you for reminding us to live every moment to the fullest and to live it all in His name!
    Hope you and your family are doing well!
    Hugs,
    Kimberly :)

    P.S. I have heard Carol Kent speak before. SO powerful!

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  2. Yes, a great post and reminder....Sobering truth....we will never get this day back, when its over, its over. We MUST make the most of every opportunity....thank you for sharing :)

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  3. Hi Rachel,

    This is SO true. We are not promised tomorrow, and sometimes we really don't make the most of the opportunities placed before us.

    I saw Carol Kent speak at a Women of Faith event a few years ago and her story is both spellbinding and heartbreaking.

    Thanks for this timely reminder!

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