God always designs an opportunity for every human being to enjoy restoration, which is referred to as a second chance. I remembered the story of a Christian woman who lost her virginity three months to her wedding day. She committed fornication with the man she intend to marry.
After two months of the regrettable act, she got pregnant. Since, the marriage counseling committee of the church must not discover the atrocity, she aborted the innocent baby.
She committed the murder to escape the sanction of the church’s disciplinary committee. On her wedding day, everyone around her were happy and they rejoice with her, but she was bitter in the deepest part of heart.
She was depressed for many years, because she felt God was greatly disappointed by her ungodly actions. The Christian woman backslides from God’s presence and thought she cannot get a second chance.
Devil had made a lot of Christians who found themselves in a mess to believe that God cannot give them a second chance. People suffering from depression or suicide attempt can only be healed if they believe in the power and grace of the second chance from God.
Isaiah chapter 1 verses 18 says: “Come now, and let us reason together, “ Says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.”
The Lord revealed Himself to me in my sleep on the 5th of August 2003 and He said: “Preach to the people! I will forgive the sin(s) of anyone who is ready to do my perfect will”. This message from the Lord shows that He will give you a second chance, if you repent genuinely from your sins.
When you invite God into your life, and you give your ‘sense of decision-making’ to Him, then your second chance shall be sustained. John chapter 14 and verse 23 says: “Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”
Requirements for the Grant of a Second Chance
1. Forgive yourself!
I had come across some Christians who find it difficult to forgive themselves after committing sins. You cannot enjoy the second chance of God if you don’t forgive yourself for any wrong you must have committed. Do not lose hope!
Christian race on earth is rough and tough, only the tough can win the race. The book of Matthew chapter 7 verses 14 says: “Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
If you find it difficult to forgive yourself, then you won’t know when God has forgiven your sins for a second chance of restoration.
2. Make a list
Identify all the causes that made you find yourself in such a mess, and be determined not to repeat the same process when God gives you the second chance.
3. Live in the Spirit
You must be ready to allow God control every action of your life. Your ability is not enough to make you free from committing sins, but you need the divine power of God to enjoy your second chance. Paul advised in Galatians chapter 5 and verse 16; “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
How to Know the Availability of a Second Chance
When you self-realized your sins and your heart is sober for repentance, then pray to God for forgiveness and a second chance. The Lord will test your heart to confirm your sincerity, and your second chance shall be made available once you pass His test.
King David was one of the great men in the Bible who passed the test and he enjoyed the second chance from the Lord. Psalm 17 verse 3 says: “You have tested my heart; You have visited me in the night; You have tried me and have found nothing; I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.”
The physical proof to show the availability of your second chance is the presence of life in your body. A dead person has no second chance to enjoy anymore.
Is God’s Second Chance a Surplus?
It is a dangerous risk to take the second chance from God for granted with the intention to ask for more opportunities. Our God is a loving Father, but He is not a wasteful Being. No one can fool Him!
Romans chapter 6 verse 1 and 2 says: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not!…”
If you allow the Holy Spirit to control your lifestyle, then you won’t cry to God every day for a second chance. You cannot continue to delight in sinful actions, and expect God to give you a basket-full of second chances.
Listen to what Jesus told a sick man who was given a second chance: “…See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you…” (John 5:7-14) Jesus gave us the understanding that a second chance is the grace from God for a consistent relationship with Him.
The 3 major ways to sustain God’s second chance
1. Acknowledge His grace, and surrender your power of choice to the Holy Spirit.
2. Adopt regular prayerful lifestyle, and obey the word of God in the Bible with all your heart.
3. Love God more than anyone or anything in this world, and your second chance will not lead to second failure.
