Have you ever blown an opportunity, mishandled an assignment, or engaged in sinful behavior, and wished you could press reset and begin again? I think we all could use a “Do Over” at some point in our lives. But I have wonderful news for you: God is a God of Do-Overs. God offers us the opportunity to start afresh and move forward.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, 11 For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (AMP)
You should be encouraged to know that God is invested in your success. He is glorified when your final outcome is good. His plans for your life are not for it to end in disaster due to missed opportunities, mishandled assignments, or sinful behavior. God is a merciful God, and as long as you have breath in your body, you have another chance to get it right. We have an adversary, the devil, who wants nothing more than for you to live a life of regret and sorrow. But I want to remind you today that our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, has come to give us life and life more abundantly. "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" - I Corinthians 15:57.
In the Bible, there are many instances where God demonstrated His mercy by giving people a second chance. One such person is Peter. Luke chapter 22, starting with verse 31, says: "Then the Lord said, 'Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to have you to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have repented, strengthen your brothers.' He said to Him, 'Lord, I am ready to go with You to prison and to death.' He said, 'I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know Me. (ESV)
In this chapter, you will see that Peter did indeed deny Jesus, just as he said he would. However, the scriptures say that the moment he remembered what the Lord said, he ran outside and wept bitterly.
In Part II of "Thank God for the 'Do Over' we will explore three areas regarding Peter's do-over:
1. Jesus knows what you will do before you do it and is always praying for you to stay anchored in your faith.
2. Jesus has an assignment for you on the other side of failure.
3. Our enemy, the devil, doesn't want us to access God's forgiveness and Restoration
Remember that even in the face of failure, you have the victory in Christ Jesus. He is the God of second chances; his mercies are new every morning for you and me. You have been given permission to come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) There is no greater time to experience the mercy and grace of God than when we make mistakes. I encourage you to run to the throne today! Grace and mercy are available for you.
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