Chance is defined as any possibility, such as the chances of it raining tomorrow, but can also mean taking an opportunity such as auditioning for the school play.
Many Christians refer to God as being the Giver of Second Chances, yet while it’s true that Jesus died to atone for our sins, a second-chance gospel is incomplete in terms of providing the full picture.
Table of Contents
1. There is only one chance to get it right.
“God is a God of second chances” is an idea widely held among both those within and without the church, making this phrase one of its signature lines in speeches, soundbites from talk shows and animated Christian movie montages alike.
But few of us truly grasp what this means? The Bible contains numerous stories of second chances being given, perhaps most famously in David’s case; anoint by God as king but later accused of adultery by an adulteress wife; normally such behavior would result in being stripped from power and killed off, yet God gave him another chance at redemption.
Once given another opportunity, it’s up to you to seize it and make the most of it. Don’t waste it by being disgruntled about its arrival; embrace it fully with gratitude, moving in the direction He is prompting.
2. There is only one chance to get it wrong.
High-wire performers know there’s only one chance at cutting the right wire – any misstep and everything goes BOOM. Life can sometimes seem the same way; when something goes wrong it seems as though no second chances exist; but this is not true: God is full of grace and second chances await those willing to try.
God gave many characters in the Bible second chances; Peter, Jonah, Samson and David come to mind; but Jesus gave us an even bigger second chance when He died for our sins on the cross.
Next time you make a mistake, don’t despair: God is still with you and offering another opportunity for redemption. Even though things might look differently from before, a chance exists and it is up to you to use it wisely and see that opportunity as it presents itself. May God bless and guide your journey ahead.
3. There is only one chance to get it right again.
The Bible provides numerous examples of people receiving second chances. Peter, Jonah, Mark, Samson and David were given chances to make amends after making mistakes; Jesus taught that we should forgive as many times as necessary – without dismissing sin or permitting anyone to hurt us; rather forgiveness should continue past ourselves.
There has long been debate as to whether God provides second chances after we’ve done something bad, yet Scripture does assert this concept as truth. Indeed, many Christians cliche this belief and it rings true with their belief system.
4. There is only one chance to get it wrong again.
Sometimes life seems hopeless when we cut the wrong wire and everything suddenly unravels, yet God remains ever faithful and offers second chances. No matter your circumstance or history, He wants to meet you where you are – to pick up and restore every part of your life that may have become fragmented through sinful behavior or mistakes in judgement.
We see examples of this in the Bible. David was an ordinary shepherd whom God anointed as King of Israel. He led Israel’s army to victory and amassed great wealth and power – yet also committed adultery with one of his commander’s wives, which should have seen him stripped from his throne and executed; instead, God provided second chances and allowed David another chance at life as King, Husband, and Father.
Jesus taught his disciples to forgive others when they had been wronged, as Jesus himself did (Matthew 18:35, Matthew 19:11b, Proverbs 19:11a). God wants us to show mercy as much as possible because He Himself gives us second chances, just like He wants you to have them whenever needed.
