“Do-over!” Younger brother shouts to his older brother, the pitcher.
“Whatta ya mean? That was perfect,” says older brother.
“No it wasn’t. It almost hit me in the head.”
“Why’d ya swing at it then? Strike three. You’re out.”
“No. Do-over.” Older brother gives the younger boy another chance to hit a pitch.
The above conversation makes us laugh and, if you have kids, you’ve probably heard it. Or, perhaps you remember this scenario with your siblings when you were growing up. As adults we sometimes want, and need, a chance to start over or a second try at re-doing something that didn’t turn out so well. Everyone has regrets—bad decisions, missed opportunities, and wrong roads taken. We all have those things in the past, things we can look back on and wish we could change. A new year gets everyone thinking about a fresh start. That’s why so many people make resolutions on January 1st. There is a sense of new beginnings.
Of course, there are consequences—whether good or bad—to all decisions we make. I want to believe that the majority of choices made in my life, I’ve done with the very best intentions in mind. When faced with a decision, I think most of us will take the best option available based on our abilities and the information we possess at that time.
What if later on, however, we realize that it wasn’t the best choice? We can take heart because there is good news! God allows “do-overs.” He lets us make an about-face when we find ourselves traveling the wrong way. Like the older brother in the above conversation, God has great compassion on us. He gives us a new start every day: “The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23, NAS) I love that! When I have a bad day, I know the next morning is going to be new and fresh. Phew!
God is always faithful when we come to Him and tell him we’ve messed up and would like a second chance. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, KJV) Then, He will help us to move on. Hopefully, the next time we come up against a similar situation, we will turn to the Lord quicker to help us avoid going down that wrong road again.
Remember that when you come to Christ, you enter into a new life. I love the way The Message puts 2 Corinthians 5:17: “…what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons!” Webster defines burgeon as this: “to grow and expand rapidly, to flourish.” Yes!
So, be encouraged as we start a new year. Have hope if you are needing a “do-over.” God is in the restoration business. He will guide you and love you through the process.
God’s blessing to you for 2013, Tammy
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your amazing love for me and for the second chances You’ve given me throughout my life. Guide me down the path You have laid out for me so that I don’t have to make too many U-turns.
©2012 Tammy Maseberg All Rights Reserved
