The God of a
Second Chance
November 3, 2003
Anybody who ever failed a test longed for a second
chance . . . one more night to study . . . one more chance to
make the grade. Those who have suffered the agony of a failed
romance or marriage look back at hurtful things they said or did
and wish they could undo the harm. But they fear the damage from
an emotional gun that's been discharged can't be undone. They
killed love and fear they'll never get it back.
Everyone wants and needs another chance. That's
true in athletics, business and romance. It's true in all of
life.
If anyone ever needed a second chance it was
Samson. The ancient judge had everything and lost it all because
he refused to bridle his lust. Baldheaded, blind and weak--the
former champion became a slave to his enemies--the Philistines.
Yet, from his place of weakness and despair, Samson learned a
priceless truth about God.
The prayer of Samson may have sounded like the
words of a helpless and hopeless man. And they would have been
except God heard him pray, "O Sovereign Lord, remember me. O
God, please strengthen me just once more." (Judges 16:28)
A moment later God restored Samson's strength and
the man the Philistines mocked, pulled down the temple, killing
more in his death than he had during his life. Some think
Samson's death a great tragedy. It wasn't. Had Samson died
without learning he served the God of a second chance, then his
death would have been tragic.
I've had men tell me, "I've blown plan A for my
life." I like to remind them that there are 26 letters in the
alphabet and that God can use them to carry out plan B, C, and
D. I urge them to never forget they serve the God, not only of a
second chance, but countless chances.
Maybe you feel God has placed you on a shelf
because of something you've done? If so, then I want you to
consider that God may be going to use you to accomplish more in
the future than you have in the past. If such a thought seems
far-fetched--then remember this fact--You serve the God of a
second chance.
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