Second Chances

Have you ever thought about "second chances"? What comes to mind when you read that phrase? Do you think biblically? Do you think of times when you've given them? Do you think of when you've recieved them? Here are some thoughts I had recently on the topic.


Often, it seems that the second chance is even more important or meaningful than the first chance. Why is that? Do we feel we have to prove ourselves? Why do we put more effort in the consecutive chances?

Right now I'm thinking of games or sports. You have a task to complete in a set amount of time within certain parameters. If you fail the initial objective you are then allowed to continue trying until you are able to complete it.

Tonight I watched my daughter compete on a game for about half an hour doing her best to beat the same level over and over again. Each new turn she was more determined than ever to accomplish her goal.

Do you think multiple chances at things in life spur on our motivation and empower our determination? I think if we never had to work for anything we would not truly learn and we wouldn't know how to appreciate that which we do have.

What about second chances in life? Have you or someone you have known experienced a second chance in life, be it figuratively or literally? Mistakes can be made and it sure feels good to know that forgiveness is available and that you can move on.
Second chances at life in the literal sense can range from a rough diagnosis that improves, to a risky operation, to an illness, or even just the timing of God.

What would you do right now if someone close to you (or yourself) were faced with an opportunity to experience a second chance at life? Most people who have 'near death' experiences come back radically transformed and live life with much more purpose.

I have been given so many second, third, and hundredth chances growing up in life...making bad decisions and having to face that consequence. We never really feel we deserve this mercy when we know we've done something wrong.

Sometimes when bad things happen we don't know why, but there are loved ones that don't get a second chance at life and we feel they left us too soon. I can't say why someone who seems not to deserve it recieves it or why someone who seems to deserve it doesn't, but we can know that God does. Perhaps what we have to remember is that what He has for us is ALWAYS better, even if you can't understand it now.

I think of a well known man in the bible who was getting quite old and near death. He asked for a second chance, it was granted, but in a way he kind of blew it.

We all live on borrowed time and tend to take for granted what we have. We assume we'll all live to 60, 70, 80...etc. We find it easier to nurse a grudge or hurt feelings than to love unconditionally.

Be purposeful with your time, choices, families, etc. If you've been given a second chance know that God has a plan for your life.