The other day as I was out walking by our pond I heard the leaves rustle aggressively near my feet. I jumped back in fright! I was only inches from a well-camouflaged water moccasin snake. Yowee! That was close! “Thank You, Lord,” I said, “for protecting me from that snake.” Only then did I realize why the snake hadn’t bitten me! He had the body of a giant bullfrog in his mouth—only his back legs were sticking out! I’d had a second chance because the snake was preoccupied with his dinner.
Barb came running with a garden rake and a shovel. When I pinned the snake to the ground with the garden rake, it let go of the bullfrog, which then promptly hopped into the water. His second chance story was even more exciting than mine!
Can you think of some second chances you’ve received? A chance to take an exam over again? A boss’ decision to let you stay on even after you really blew it? A near miss on the road? A health scare that could’ve easily gone the other way? A relationship reconciled after a deep wound?
When it comes to second chances with God, we might think of Jonah as Exhibit A. But really each of us is an “Exhibit A” in this regard.
- We were dead in our transgressions and sins… but God made us alive! (Eph 2:1-5)
- We were enemies because of our sin… but we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son. (Rom 5:8-10)
- In Christ God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them. (2 Cor 5:19)
Have you thanked God lately for your many second chances?
P.S. By the way, the snake I encountered didn’t get a second chance. Also, the snake pictured above is an internet pic, not the snake who was and is no more.