Devotions this week based on the Message: “Hope Comes with a Second Chance”.
At some point every person needs a second chance, a “do over,” … a “Mulligan.”
Life is filled with stories of second chances. You have one as well. It may have been as simple as a teacher giving you an opportunity to redo a test you failed or as significant as overcoming an addiction or a life of crime.
Second chance stories are inspirational and motivational. But for every story of second chance and dramatic change, is perhaps a story of a second chance that failed.
What makes a second chance so amazing? Many second chances come because someone sees potential in me that I’ve missed seeing in myself. Someone sees that I can do better or be better than I currently am. Someone sees that it is possible and probable that I can change given the right opportunity and information. So they are willing to invest in giving me a second chance.
But even if someone does invest in me, what will make a second chance successful? Second chances turn out well when an individual is able to reflect and evaluate what went wrong at the first attempt. When I can recognize and make the needed changes in my thinking and activity, I increase the potential for a positive outcome. If I don’t change my thinking or learn from my mistakes, a second chance will lose its value. The change must happen within first. It involves a change of heart and mind to set up what develops into different actions and behaviors. False believes have to be replaced with truth.
Second chances bring hope. They renew an outlook on life that brings stronger optimism and joy to life.
We’re not just talking about second chance stories of hope and change, but the second chance stories that happen when God’s Spirit reorients our life and our heart to the Lord and his Word.
Titus puts it this way: (3:3-7)
3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
The second chance as God turns us from sin and selfishness to him and trust and faith is amazing. The difference is incredible. The impact is large and the blessing is manifold.
Jesus loves you and wants you in heaven. He has done everything to overcome what sin wrecked, so you might have life with him…now and for eternity. This week we are going to unpack the blessing of a second chance God has given to you!
Apply: Consider some of the second chances in life God has given to you. What has he taught you through them?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the second chance your grace gives to me to live for you and with you. AMEN.