Second Chances

Nº 241

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - March 14, 2023

Our sins have been put away. To use the language of the Scriptures…they are completely removed, put behind God’s back, blotted out, remembered no more, and hurled into the depths of the sea. - Jerry Bridges

The first time I went bowling, I was clueless. I rolled the heavy ball, and it ended in the gutter – all ten pins remained upright. Mercifully, the leader explained I got another turn. This time my ball made it to the end of the alley and knocked over a few pins. Progress.

Bowling, I learned, is a game of second chances. We always strive to knock down all ten pins for a strike but rarely succeed. But we are provided the opportunity to try again, pick up a spare, and improve our score.

We all need second chances. We fail and long for grace and forgiveness. Peter thought he was being generous when he asked Jesus, “How many times should I forgive my brother? …Seven times? Jesus answered, I tell you not seven but seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21-22)

Bowlers receive two tries, Peter thought seven would do. Jesus provides forgiveness without limits. God is a God of second chances and third, and fourth, and on and on.

His gracious forgiveness extends until our game is over – but not beyond. Strive for perfection, accept His forgiveness when we fail, and remember the offer of forgiveness is good only this side of eternity.

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc.