Second Chances

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

The first time I applied for a driver’s license, the hardest part for me was parallel parking. As time passed, my parking skill didn’t improve. Recently, I was forced to parallel park. It took several unsuccessful attempts before I was finally able to get the car next to the curb. Good thing I had more than one chance to do it right.

Someone once described God as “the God of second chances,” but that doesn’t go far enough in describing His mercy. Actually, He’s the God of multiple chances.

You probably realize I’m talking about more than parking. I’m talking about the times when I let God down, and He gives me a do-over. If you‘ve never heard of a do-over, it’s southern talk for another chance to get something right.

I need a lot of do-overs. I need a do-over when I’m lazy about praying or reading the Bible or when I deliberately choose my way instead of God‘s. I need a do-over when I’m overly critical, ignore someone’s needs, or say something hurtful.

When the Holy Spirit nudges me into painful awareness of my failure, and I think, I wish I hadn’t done that, God offers me another chance. The scripture says, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). At those times when I fail, God’s provision is for me to simply, sincerely tell Him I have messed up and ask His forgiveness.

God knows we won’t always get it right, but He wants us to keep trying. When we ask His forgiveness, He wipes the slate clean.

He loves to give us another chance.

Father, I thank You for Your patience with me.

Carol