Second Chances

"But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.' Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." -James 4:6 & 7

Some days I wish I could start my life all over. I feel like I have fallen short. Other days I am immensely grateful for all I've been given, the grace and healing that God has given me, and all of His second chances.

When we trust God for our lives and repent for our mistakes, He gives us second chances. This is what I take from the life of David. Even though David made many mistakes, even adultery and murder, God still gave him a second chance. God gave David grace because he had a repentant heart. He was a "simple fool."

The Bible talks about the difference between the wise and the foolish. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." (Proverbs 9:10) A simple fool is someone who is able to change direction, apologize and repent for his or her actions. A hardened fool is someone who makes poor decisions but for whatever reason does not repent. (Psalm 53:1)

Saul was an example of someone whose heart became hard. Although he was given several warnings, he decided to go his own way. (1 Samuel 15:11) Because he decided not to turn back to God, he became a hardened fool.

Aren't you grateful that God gives us second chances when our hearts are soft toward Him? Take that chance and make something of it today.

Related resource: Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine by Max Lucado