The God Of Second Chances

Several times over the years, I’ve come very close to having my life snuffed out due to unforeseen circumstances. Twice, while waiting at an intersection for a traffic light to change, a car and an 18 wheeler ran the red light. Had I stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brake pedal, I would not be here writing and posting this article today. This is why I believe in the God of second chances.

While in the U.S. Air Force stationed on the island of Okinawa back in the 1960‘s, I totally abandoned the Lord and His church for a period of eighteen months. Had I passed from this life during that time, I would have spent an eternity in a place of everlasting punishment.

But because of God’s grace and longsuffering (Titus 2:11; 2 Peter 3:9), I was allowed to repent and confess my forsaking the Lord’s church (2 Corinthians 7:9-10; 1 John 1:9). There’s no question in my mind, that I serve the God of second chances.

Dear reader, if you have lived any time on this earth, you have more than likely experienced similar close calls in your life. However, on the day of our departure from this earth (2 Timothy 4:6), God’s grace and longsuffering will cease and there will be no more second chances — our eternal destiny will be forever sealed (Luke 16:22-26).

If your life is out of harmony with God’s will, won’t you please take advantage of God’s longsuffering and grace this day, by rendering obedience to the saving gospel of Christ? (Romans 6:17-18; cf. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Will you willingly surrender your will to the God of second chances? (Luke 22:42; cf. John 5:30; John 6:37-38).

You’ll be eternally thankful that you did (John 14:1-3; Revelation 21:1-7).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets