Failures are a part of life…and God responds to our failures by giving us second chances as we call upon the name of Jesus. During the month of September, we will be hearing stories from our Beautiful writers of how God gave them second chances! We hope their stories bring you encouragement, hope and faith.
by Dani Catherine
“It’s who she is…I don’t think she will ever change,” I heard my friend say about me to another friend, regarding my night of being drunk and not remembering a thing. I was in my early 20’s at the time, and as I was speeding into unhealthy relationships, being more consumed by parties than focusing on making a living, I saw my life crumble in shambles.
As I found myself alone, heartbroken, and barely hanging on by a thread, I hit rock bottom…and as I was at the bottom, I stumbled upon the rock of Christ; a rock that I knew of but never wanted to grasp. I knew my life was being wasted, and the only way my life would be redeemed was through Him.
I found myself so desperate and crying out for a second chance. I wanted a second chance at relationships, friendships, being a daughter, a twin sister…a second chance at life. Just like in Psalm 51, as King David cried out for a second chance, so was I. In Psalm 51, King David asked God to blot out the stains left on his life by his sin. He so desperately wanted God to forgive him of his failures and wash away his sins…and He did. He created in him a clean heart and his joy was restored. And just as King David was made new, I was too.
Of course it was heartbreaking to hear that friend lose hope and faith in me, but it made me strive to know something greater than guilt and shame; it brought me to Jesus. Because of Gods second chances, I truly know what love is and I truly know that life is worth living.
Jesus died on the cross to wash away our sins. Because of Jesus, we don’t have to live in the bondage of sin. Whatever rut you have wandered into, however trapped or alone you feel, know that Jesus can free you and change your life. If you're reading this, and feel you can't be forgiven, you can. God is gracious. And remember, God is a God of second chances.
"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." Titus 2:11
What do you want a second chance at? What scriptures help you get through moments of shame and guilt? Share your thoughts and comments below!
Dani Catherine works at GFC as a Ministry Assistant and has a passion for helping others! Dani loves to bake, eat ice cream, paint, snap photos and spend time with her loved ones…especially her dog, Jeter!