A God of Second Chances

 


But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess. Yet do it with courtesy and respect, keeping a good conscience, so that those who slander your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame when they accuse you.  1 Peter 3: 15-16

As you might know, A year ago I walked through a season of finding out I had a brain tumor and then having three surgeries for it. Really, I had five surgeries in all surrounding it, but three were brain surgeries. I remember a few people commenting on how we could have such great attitudes in the midst of all that was going on. To my shame, I don’t remember giving a good answer.

I think I was caught by surprise because I didn’t see myself as doing particularly well. At best I mumbled something about how it was God and not me. Looking back, I have such great answers! Isn’t hindsight like that? Oh, how I wish I had told them about how Jesus was carrying me through. How He was sending me people to encourage me. How He was giving me music to lift me up. How He had given me a sure hope that no matter how this all turned out, ultimately, I was going to be with Him and it would all be wonderful!

So here’s the deal, the surgeon wasn’t able to remove all of the tumor so the odds are high that it will grow back and we will get to do this all again. You’d better bet that next time I will be ready with a better answer!

Here’s the Thing: We’re not perfect. That’s what grace is for. I wish I had answered better, but I know that God has forgiven me for that. I pray that those people will be given other opportunities to hear about Jesus. Our God is a God of second chances!

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