God Gives Second Chances

If we learn anything from the world changers of Hebrews 11, we learn they were flawed people. They were far from perfect. In fact, they failed often. The men and women we read about in what I call the Heroes Hall of Faith are not there because they were great people; they are there because they had faith in a great God.

Consider some of the world changers mentioned there and in other places in Scripture. Abraham, the father of faith, lied twice about Sarah being his wife because, well, he lacked faith. Their son Isaac did the same thing. Sarah laughed at God’s promise of a child and then denied she laughed. Isaac’s son Jacob lied and connived.

Noah got drunk. Samson was a very immoral man. Gideon was afraid. Rahab was a prostitute. David was an adulterer and a murderer. Elijah was suicidal at one point. Jonah ran from God. The disciples fell asleep while they were praying. The Samaritan woman was divorced more than once.

So what’s your excuse? Think about it. These people messed up, but God gave them second chances. Maybe you need a second chance. Maybe you’ve had a lapse of faith.

We all fail in life. We all have lapses. Simon Peter openly denied the Lord, but God gave him a second chance. Jesus recommissioned him at the Sea of Galilee. What about Jonah? He ran from God, but God got his attention in the stomach of a great fish. Jonah came to his senses and was given a second chance. God gives second chances.

You can have a second chance, and God can use you. Maybe you feel like your story is over because of mistakes you’ve made or a sin you’ve committed. Get up and run again. Your story isn’t over.