Thursday, December 31, 2009

Second Chances


I wish I had kept an accurate count of the number of people I've heard lately that said, "I can't wait to begin a new year. It has to be better than the last one."

What are your expectations and wishes for this new year? Does it mean a second chance, a fresh start? Do you make New Year's resolutions, only to give up on them by the end of January?

Every new year, actually, every new day is an opportunity to start over. We can begin each day anew with a clean slate. We don't have to wait 365 days until the next new year rolls around for a fresh start or new beginnings (Lamentations 3:22). Our Heavenly Father is the God of second chances. He extends daily an unlimited amount of mercy and grace. Just ask Moses, Jonah, Rahab, David and Peter. Second chances. Or me. He reached down into my pit of sin and plucked me out of the mire. Second chances. He sacrificed His only Son for me. And for you. Second chances.

He pardons our sin and forgives our transgressions. He has compassion on us, treads our sins under His feet and hurls them into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:18). A hymn I remember singing from childhood goes like this, "Grace, grace, God's grace, grace that is greater than all our sin." Thankfully, God's grace is immensely greater than my sin. Second chances.

This year the only resolution I will make is to live daily in the extensive grace that God lavishes on me. And I will praise Him and thank Him that He is the God of second, third, even hundredth, chances.

I pray that your new year will blessed and that you will know the God of second chances.


Cindy Sig 2

5 comments:

Patty said...

Great Post! Everyday is a day for second chances...do-overs. I like that and thank God for His new mercies with each new day!

Happy New Year!

Leah Adams said...

I love second chances and new starts!! So thankful for them because I need them daily.

We missed ya'll today. Hope Robert is better.

Talk to you soon. Happy New Year!

Leah

LisaShaw said...

Thanks for sharing this with us and I pray a beautiful year for you walking in the grace and love of the LORD all the more.

I look forward to all HE will give you to share with us as well.

Loads of love, good health and blessings for you and your loved ones.

Happy New Year!

Grace on the Narrow Path said...

Cindy,
Such an inspiring post. Have a wonderful new year. May God continue to bless.
Bren

Lora said...

I am ever so grateful for second chances. I heard a quote recently about heaven being filled with restored people.

Blessings to you in the new year Cindy!