Second Chances

“‘You’re not one of his disciples, are you?’ He denied it, saying, ‘No, I am not.’ But one of the household slaves … asked, ‘Didn’t I see you out there in the olive grove with Jesus?’ Again Peter denied it. Immediately a rooster crowed.”—John 18:25–27 NLT

An open position in a major orchestra is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a musician.

Determined to win a particular position, one man spent a year preparing, practicing up to twenty hours a day. Nearly 300 musicians applied, but this man was one of only 35 invited to audition in person.

When the day came, he traveled more than 1,000 miles to the site. He readied himself, hoping to impress the selection committee. At that moment, it didn’t matter how hard he had practiced, how many college degrees he had, or which acknowledged masters he had studied with. All that mattered was his performance.

He took his place behind a screen (set up to keep the process impartial). Describing the 10-minute audition, he reported, “It wasn’t terrible.” After the audition, he returned home and waited. But the call never came. He had not been chosen.

In the following days, he was continually haunted. Why didn’t he win? How could he have done better? Would he ever have another chance?

Our lives can be marked by moments like these when we fall short. In this world, second chances might never come. But the Bible reminds us that God continually gives us second chances. Jesus gave Peter a second chance after he denied Jesus. He was forgiven and went on to have a powerful ministry.

If you have failed, don’t give up. Turn to God, be forgiven, and receive a new start.

Reflection Question: What would you do with a second (or third or fourth) chance?