Ready:
"He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve or repaid us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his faithful love toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” —Psalm 103:10-12
Set:
A second ball in soccer refers to a loose ball that happens after a deflected pass, blocked shot, or defensive clearance. Getting the second ball is crucial to gaining the advantage. It can determine team possessions and can create immediate attacking opportunities. There are no limits on the amount of second balls in a game.
We too need second chances and with God there is always a second chance. It’s true about us that we often miss the mark, make bad decisions, choose to do wrong and sin. God provides opportunities for us to make right choices, make good decisions, and go in the right direction. There are no specific numbers of His second chances.
Psalm 103:10-12, clearly says that God does not deal with us according to our sins and He doesn’t repay us according to our failures, mistakes, bad choices or our brokenness. This is great news! The verses go on to say that as high as the heavens are above the earth, that is the measure of His unfailing love toward us. Heaven is higher than we can measure or know. Not only this, but as far as the east is from the west, that’s how far God removes our sins. If you head west, you will never reach east or go in east’s direction. East and west never meet. This is the second chance that God gives us. That’s how far He removes our sins and the penalty of our sin. It’s a complete removal.
What would soccer be without second balls and what would our lives be without God’s second chances? Winning second balls changes the momentum of the game and brings advantage. Wining second balls can be how a team controls the game. Do we realize how crucial God’s second chances are that give us another chance? His second chances give us the advantage and give us momentum to do right things. What can we say but thanks be to God!
Go:
What is it like to receive second chances in your sport?
Realizing the truth about God’s second chances, is there anything you need to confess, and to then receive His forgiveness?
Workout:
Overtime:
“Lord Jesus, You are amazing and so good. Thank You for Your love, grace, mercy and forgiveness. I don’t understand it all, but I accept who You are and what You do for me. Thank you for second chances. Help me too to be a person who gives second chances to others. I give thanks for You and all You’ve done for me. Amen.”