Another Chance

Monday, April 24, 2017
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "How Sweet The Name Of Jesus Sounds"1 (Lyrics)

I have two old dogs. One is over sixteen. The other, though not quite as old, is severely affected with arthritis. Not long ago, the eldest took a bad fall and was unable to get up. Even with help, she could not stand, much less walk. The time had come, I concluded, after many tears and much agonizing, that I would take both of them for their last journey to the veterinarian, a two-hour trip each way.

My daughter said that she would drive down and help me, but unfortunately, the vet's office was closed due to taking inventory, so I could not make an appointment for that day. The next day, though I called several times, my calls were not answered until too late in the day for us to make the trip.

In the meantime, however, the eldest dog had begun to rally. Perhaps the pain medication that I had been administering helped more than I could know. Whatever the case, three days after her fall, she was up and about, even making her way, along with her arthritic buddy, down to the corral with me. By the fifth day, she was running as opportunity allowed. So they both received another chance at life.

King Nebuchadnezzar also received another chance. His came from God. As king, he had grown hard-hearted and vain:

Daniel 4:30 – He said, "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?" (NIV)

In response, God took away Nebuchadnezzar's royal authority as well as his sanity. However, once he acknowledged that the Lord was indeed the Most High, God, in His mercy, restored both his sanity and his kingdom:

Daniel 4:34 – At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. (NIV)

God gave him another chance. God still grants people another chance today, as they need it. I know that He has certainly done so for me, and not just once, either!

Perhaps you, too, need and want another chance spiritually. Your heart has grown proud or hard. You have chosen your own way over God's way. Sin has crept into your life, and now, you wish that you hadn't allowed it to do so. Or you have suddenly become aware of its presence, and you wish you had another chance to deal with it. Well, my friend, I have good news for you, for indeed you do, for God has said:

1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV)

So, act now. Believe it. Embrace it with sincerity. Accept that it is done. And then, go forth in obedience and joy, for through God's mercy and enduring love, you have just received another chance.

Prayer: Father God, how grateful we are for another chance. We are such frail creatures who can so easily fall into sin. Bless us with hearts of truth, that we might recognize when we fall and be quick to confess our sins and embrace the forgiveness which is ours in Christ, now and forevermore. In Christ's name, we ask. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Thanks Lynne. Blessings


    Another great challenge Lynne. Have a blessed day.


    Sadly, I always need another chance and I am grateful for it.
    Blessings.


    Dear Lynne
    Thank you for your writing this morning; much needed words for me.


    Lynne, Isn’t God good! Thanks for sharing your dog’s almost miraculous recovery. Rejoicing with you in your canine friend’s new chance at life. Blessings.


    What a great meditation. And people talk about “coincidence” that the vets office was closed etc. There are NO coindences – just God’s grace. Thanks Lynn.


    Thanks for reminding us that praise God, He gives us many chances — even when/if we don’t deserve them.
    Blessings.


    What a wonderful encouraging message Lynne! I always appreciate your writing. I love the everyday experiences you share.
    Blessings.


    Thank you Lynne! Yes, I most certainly do need another chance, each and every day. Thank you for reminding me it is there for the asking!
    Blessings to you and those you love.


    Hi Lynn,
    As soon as I started to read your devotional this morning I suspected that it was from you, and you are right, we get so many chances to set things right.
    Thank you for writing.


    Hi Lynne
    I am in awe of your facility with devotionals. I really enjoyed this one and would love to share it. I work with the homeless, the addicted, the mentally ill.
    This is a message they would enjoy hearing.
    Blessings.


    I so much relate to this story.
    Thank you.
    My friend had a very sick dog too. He prayed he would have his beloved friend with them for Christmas. The dog rallied and indeed shared his last Christmas with them before passing gently away.
    I also love your application of the story and the best part is God not only forgives, He forgets.
    Would that we were the same.


    Thank you Lynne for reminding me there is always a Second Chance with our Saviour.
    Every Blessing on your day.


    Dear Lynne,
    Thanks for the good news that we can get a second chance — or should we say another chance — because in my world it is easy to get discouraged and feel there is no tomorrow.
    I hope the dogs are doing well and will be able to enjoy the spring and summer weather.


    As always, Lynne, you have “nailed it.”
    God doesn’t break bent reeds,or put out smouldering wicks. He is the God of 100 second chances.
    We are always blessed by your thoughts
    (ON)

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