Casey, one of the most talented musicians on American Idol got cut BUT the judges used their only save to give him a second chance. They believed so much in who he was and his giftedness as a musician that they gave him a second chance.

What would you do if you got a second chance? Have you ever thought about what you would do if you got a second chance at being you or just living life? What would you do? How would you change…what would you change? Would you strive to be a better friend, a better spouse, a better parent, or a better Christian? Would you be more devoted to using the gifts God has given you and to fulfilling your purpose? Would you be a better steward at what God has blessed you with and embrace it more fully? Would you stop and smell the roses and savor life? Would you spend more time with God and living in His grace? What would you do if you got a second chance?

God has been speaking to me about second chances…third chances…forth chances. I’m sure I’ve had more than I can even count. He truly is a gracious loving Father! I had a moment the other day…call it hormonal or just crazy not too smart. Anyway, let’s just say I was ready to call it quits and my actions were making a statement! So much that God knew just when to intervene and what to say. I love that about Him!

There was a couple of teaching calls I had downloaded to listen to and in desperation I pulled one up and pressed play. Talking about timely, The words couldn’t have been more direct!!! “If you think the grass is greener on the other side you are crazy!!! That is a lie from Satan! You need to take care of what God has given you and prosper where you are planted.” I’m not sure that those were the exact words but that was the message I received and lets just say…God knows how to speak my language. "Embrace the God life, really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you." (Mark 11:22-23 The Message)

The Holy Spirit was intentionally working on me! It was not a coincidence, that’s the very life changing message God has been preaching to me for the last six or more years. It is also the message that He has given me a passion to speak about because it is where he calls me to live. God is always telling me, “Peggy, embrace life…embrace what is going on. I’m in control…I’ve got it. Stop trying to fight where you are and who you are. I created you and determined where and when you would live. Stick with me! If I’ve called you to it, I will do it!” (Just as a side note. That “called you to it” isn’t just talking about a ministry, it’s referring to walking in obedience, to parenting, to marriage, to using our gifts, to our career, to making disciples, to being a leader…whatever God has given you to do…be faithful!)

Anyway, at that moment, I felt like God was giving me a second chance. I was truly convicted and fell to my knees in repentance. I knew that I needed to harness my emotions and realign myself with God and His righteousness. I needed to make a major attitude change! It was a wake-up call and God was saying, “Do you really want to walk away from all that I have given you? NO!!! And it didn’t take long for my eyes to be opened and my heart to be reminded of how blessed and fortunate I am. The list just started running through my mind. So, I took a walk and spent that time thanking God for rescuing me from myself once again and giving me a second chance. I spent time thanking Him for where I was and all that He had blessed me with. Sometimes we just need a fresh start…a new look! It is freeing and even motivating!

One of the most amazing things about God is He is a God of second chances. So much, that He gave His Only Son to give us a second chance at life with Him. He is always extending a hand of grace—doing whatever it takes to bring us back to our senses…back to HIM! He never changes. His love for us is as passionate as it was from the beginning of time. He wants us to walk in His blessings…to live in His peace…to rest in His grace…to be showered in His love…to live free…to worship Him in Spirit and Truth… The list goes on and on of the immeasurable blessings He wants so freely to lavish us in.

What does He want from you? He just wants you to receive Him…to receive His love and a grace.

Do you need a second chance! If you do, God is inviting you to experience a second chance with Him. He is waiting to give you one!