Thank God for Second Chances!

There are many examples in the Bible of people who have been given a second chance by God. Maybe you are one that has been given a second chance. Perhaps you think there is no hope for you to receive a second chance. Hopefully, this little challenge from God’s Word will help you to understand God is the God of the second chance.

1. When do we need a second chance?
   • When we have neglected our responsibilities. Jonah 1:2,3
     1. Jonah was guilty of knowing what to do but refusing to do it.
     2. He wanted to get as far away as he could from the work he knew no one else could do but
        him. Many times, neglecting responsibilities rob us of many blessings.
   • When we are sleeping when people are in danger. Jonah 1:5,6
     1. Running from God often wears one out more than following God. Jonah had to be exhausted to sleep through such a fierce storm.
     2. He was asleep both physically and spiritually. We often joke about people falling asleep in a
        church service, but it is not humorous when we are asleep spiritually. Our enemy never sleeps.
   • When we endanger other people’s lives by our foolishness. Jonah 1:11
     1. When you and I follow a wrong path, chances are, someone is watching and following. Example: John 21:3
     2. When you act foolishly a weaker person could be watching and could be changed for the worst. Remember saint of God, people are watching you.
   • We are swallowed up by the big fish of our own making. Jonah 1:17
2. When do we get a second chance?
   • We realize we have blown it and admit it. Jonah 1:11,12
     1. David was one who blew it but got a second chance.
     2. He did not get the second chance until he had confessed his sin. Psalm 32:5
     3. The reason so many people never seem to get another chance is because they will not admit that they blew it.
     4. Jonah is not alone in the fine art of blowing it, he has plenty of company throughout history.
   • We pray and repent. Jonah 2:1,2,7
     1. We get our second chance when we pour out our heart to God.
     2. God already knows all about it but He wants us to confess that we are sinners.
     3. Often it takes a big fish of our afflictions to drive us back to God. Psalm 88:9
   • We keep the promises we have made to God. Jonah 2:9
   • We do what we need to do. Jonah 3:1-4
3. What happens when we get a second chance?
   • People will receive the much needed good news from us. Jonah 3:5-10
     1. Look at David again. After he repented God used him to be a witness again. Psalm 51:12,13
     2. Ninevah could not receive the message of repentance until the messenger got straightened out.
     3. When God give you a second chance will you use it or blow it again?
   • God’s method of giving a second chance has not changed. Jonah 2:2
     1. God is still calling us to be messengers.
     2. God is expecting us to give out His Word.
     3. Will we take advantage of the chances we are given?

Do you need today to cry out, Please God give me a second chance. He will!