Have you ever said to yourself, “If given the chance, I would do things differently?” I believe most people have visited this mindset at least once in their lives. In fact, I would venture a guess many have felt this way more times than they care to admit. You cannot go back in time and change what happened, but you can affect the future. When someone needs a second chance, be the powerful life force behind it. Just like a tea kettle warming on the stove, the powerful life force behind second chances simmers until its release.
The Benefits of Second Chances
All things are a matter of perspective, including how one perceives the benefits of second chances. In situations involving second chances, two viewpoints exist. One is of the person receiving a second chance. The other is of the individual giving the second chance. In both scenarios, each will benefit from the gift of second chances!
Literally, since the beginning of time (think Adam and Eve), people have erred in their ways. An unfortunate aspect of human nature is mankind not always making the best choice in each situation. Thankfully, humankind abounds with loving, caring individuals willing to forgive others’ misdoings.
A Contemporary Example of Second Chances
Earlier this week, I completed a book for my women’s group at church. The focus of the reading concerned individuals experiencing homelessness. One of the perspectives shared in the text really resonated deep within me. Essentially, the man explained how second chances can become life-changing for those experiencing homelessness.
People find themselves homeless for a variety of reasons (i.e., mental health issues, formerly incarcerated, drug addictions, financial hardships, etc.). Regardless of the cause, the result is often the same. The person needs a place to live. Unfortunately, in many instances, the person must have a legal form of identification to rent. However, obtaining a proper ID requires an individual show proof of residence. What a catch 22!
Now, think about this. Imagine a person has been incarcerated for a while. After their release, they must start their life anew. What if the person only encounters prospective employers who are reluctant to give them a second chance? How will they restart their life? Now, imagine the individual crosses paths with an open-minded employer who believes in the power of second chances. What then? You guessed it. The person now has an opportunity for a fresh start and a whole new life. When a prospective employer affords someone a second chance, they empower the individual by showing them they matter and are worth the investment. What a powerful force behind second chances!
A Timeless Example of Second Chances
Have you ever experienced a time when someone emotionally hurt you? (Note: I do not condone verbal or physical abuse. The hurt referenced is when someone inadvertently says something hurtful to another person.) Did you allow your feelings to stand in the way of reconciliation? On the flip side, have you openly shared your feelings and repaired your relationship?
Sometimes people believe creating an emotional barrier protects their broken heart, which, in turn, allows it to heal. Approaching a hurtful situation by retreating into oneself (and not addressing it from a place of love) creates unfortunate consequences. Not only does the person’s heart remain hurt, but feelings of resentment toward the other individual are borne. In addition, precious moments, which could have been shared, remain elusive and unrealized.
A different approach with different outcomes remains a possibility. For example, a person can choose to tend their emotional wounds and mend their relationship with the one who inflicted the hurt. Forgiving another person allows both healing and growth to occur on an emotional and spiritual level, respectively. In this instance, just imagine the powerful life force behind second chances for both parties involved!
Jacob’s Example of a Second Chance
From as early as the book of Genesis, Scripture recounts stories when individuals from very diverse circumstances received second chances. In Genesis, Jacob (whose very name means “to be deceiving”) deceptively took his brother Esau’s birthright (Genesis 25:29-34, NIV). Then, only a couple of chapters later and with his mother Rebekah’s support, Jacob deceived his father, Isaac, to receive the blessing meant for Esau (Genesis 27, NIV). Despite his deceptiveness and struggles with God, Jacob overcame it all and received God’s blessing as well as the name Israel (Genesis 32:22-32, NIV).
Peter’s Example of a Second Chance
Have you ever meant well and made a promise to someone only to realize you broke it? Peter, a disciple of Jesus, experienced this very thing. Jesus told Peter that he would deny Him three times before the rooster crows, but Peter could not imagine ever denying Christ. Unfortunately, as circumstances would have it, Peter did deny knowing Jesus three times. He only realized it once he heard the rooster crow (Luke 22:54-62, NIV).
Despite Peter’s denial at a pivotal moment in Christ’s life on earth (i.e., before His crucifixion), Jesus forgives Peter and lovingly extends a chance for redemption. Jesus demonstrates this act of love and grace instead of harboring resentment.
Jesus asks Peter three times, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Notice, He does not ask Peter once or even twice. No. He asks Peter three times (John 21:15-19, NIV). Each time wiped away one of Peter’s denials. Wow! Jesus sure exemplifies what it means to forgive and extend the powerful life force of second chances to someone, including you and me!
A Crucified Criminal’s Example of a Second Chance
Earlier I discussed giving previously incarcerated individuals a second chance. Can you guess what I am going to mention next? If your answer includes Jesus forgiving someone of their previous criminal background, wiping the slate clean, and giving them a new life, you are correct! In fact, the criminal hanging next to Christ said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42, NIV) to which The Lord responded, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43, NIV).
Saul’s Example of a Second Chance
Finally, I want to highlight an example of how powerful second chances can be in completely changing a person’s life for the better. The person to which I am referring is Paul, the apostle.
We first meet Paul in Scripture when he is referred to as Saul. Saul, a Pharisee born in Tarsus and possessing Roman citizenship, persecuted and imprisoned Christians (known as followers of The Way). However, his conversion is, quite possibly, one of the most paramount throughout the ages.
During a trip to Damascus, Saul fell to the ground upon encountering a flash of light followed by Jesus’s voice asking, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:3-4, NIV). As he continued to listen, Saul received the following message: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting, …Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do” (Acts 9:5-6, NIV). There was only one problem. Saul lost his sight for three days (Acts 9:9, NIV).
Retreating to a house in Damascus, Saul began praying and received a vision of how his sight would be restored. Meanwhile, Jesus spoke to a follower of The Way, a man named Ananias. He instructed Ananias on where he would find Saul and how he would restore Saul’s sight. Additionally, Jesus told Ananias about Saul, saying, “This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel” (Acts 9:15, NIV).
Let’s think about this for a moment. Christ handpicked a person who was persecuting and imprisoning the very people who followed Christ, Himself (The Way). Upon his conversion, Saul became better known as Paul, the apostle. The rest, they say, is history. Wow! Jesus is truly the epitome of the powerful life force behind second chances!
Closing Thoughts and a Call to Action
If you have said to yourself, “If given the chance, I would do things differently?” Then, do things differently. After all, life is too short, especially if one lives with regrets. As I said at the beginning, although you cannot go back in time and change what has already happened, you can affect the future. When you encounter someone in need of a second chance, be the powerful life force behind it. Who knows? Someday you may find yourself on the receiving end of the powerful life force behind second chances!
Other Related Posts:
Become a Faith-Filled Superhero the World Needs
Finding God’s Refuge in a Stranger’s Hospitality