A Second chance is for when you mess up, make a mistake. Messing up and making a mistake doesn't always have to be something we did that was negative against someone else or ourselves.
Typically, we will say something we regret or do something physical maybe. These are easy ways we can think of to be grateful for second chances. We made a mistake, not just in God's eyes or ours, but very much in the sight of others. It was evident our mistake. The need for a second chance is often wanted. What about the mistakes that aren't so easily seen and the only mess-ups that only God sees? Plenty of these examples exist, but I want to go into one slightly differently.
Let me tell you a story; I was at the gas station one day, with long lines and pumps closed, and I was sitting below "E." My truck registered ("0" zero) miles left, for approx. 10 miles. ANYWAY... I saw the gentleman in front of me get to the pump. He gets out of his truck, limping. He digs for his wallet and then limps over to pay cash. This usually sticks out to me because, For a long time, I have realized how financially blessed I am to be able to fill up my vehicles without worry. I think about how this person in front of me is limited on funds and has to watch their dollars more closely.
Now at this particular time, seeing this, I feel the Holy Spirit telling me to put my card in the pump so that when this person comes back, they don't have to worry about how much gas they can get. It seems easy enough, but that is where the struggle begins.
I start thinking about when he tries to pay cash, the attendant will notice it's been paid for. Then would they cancel it out because he knows he didn't pay yet? I overthink what I should do, to the point that I'm too late because he probably paid already. So, I wait for him to return, thinking he will be walking around the corner any second. Seconds continue to go by, and I may still have a chance. At the same time, what's taking so long? After going back and forth for what seemed like an eternity, I finally got out of my truck to pay and saw him walking around.
In my conversation with God, I immediately apologize for not following through the second the Holy Spirit had led me to. I feel like I failed my Father. But God is good!
I say to God, ok, God, if I can see that this gentleman doesn't get a full tank, nothing is stopping me from going to him and offering to top it off.
I see him put the pump in, and he pulls it out within a couple of minutes. Ok, God, here I go. I walk up to the man, thinking he put 6-7 gallons in, and I introduce myself. I recognized the gentleman from working at Walmart, so I asked him, and he confirmed. I told him that the Holy Spirit laid it on my heart to fill his tank up with gas and asked if that was ok. He said yes and thank you. When I looked at the amount of gas he had put in his truck, it was only $3.00 worth! One gallon! Even in an old truck, you will need more time to get there in Brenham.
See, God put me there in that moment, not necessarily for the good feeling of helping someone though it filled my heart; he put me there specifically to remind me that He is the perfect Father. He will give me second chances; He loves me enough to be with me in every situation.
Where do you want a second chance?
Talk to God about it; He won't disappoint.
Rick Steele