Another Chance

Hebrews 11, the Heroes’ Hall of Faith, is a record of great men and women who trusted God. And the thing they had in common was that all of them put their faith into action. But what we won’t find in this chapter is a record of their mistakes.

For example, here are a few verses about Moses: “It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible. It was by faith that Moses commanded the people of Israel to keep the Passover and to sprinkle blood on the doorposts so that the angel of death would not kill their firstborn sons” (verses 27–28 NLT).

So where is the story of when Moses killed the Egyptian? Where is the story of him losing his temper and breaking the commandments of God? Where is the story of Moses hitting the rock instead of speaking to it as God told him to?

Yes, Moses stumbled and fell. But that wasn’t the end of his story.

Although God didn’t allow Moses to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, Moses ultimately made it there. The Bible tells us that when Jesus was transfigured, two people were with Him in addition to Peter, James, and John. Those people were Elijah and Moses (see Matthew 17:3).

So in effect, Moses eventually made it to the Promised Land.

Like Moses, maybe you’ve messed up. Maybe you’ve crossed the line and said or did something that you’re ashamed of. Here’s the good news: God gives second chances.

The Bible says that “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NKJV). It’s not the end of your story.