The Second Chance
- Alan Fong
- Jun 14
- 3 min read
Today's Verse:
What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? ~Psalm 116:12
Have you ever experienced a second chance at something? A second chance is an opportunity to relive a failed experience or moment and to make it successful the second time. It was a situation that was blown the first time, and given the opportunity, was made good the second time. The psalmist was at a place where a turn-around did not look possible. However, he was the recipient of a second chance and made a comeback. He realized that his second chance should not be squandered. Let us see this morning how we should manage second chances that the Lord gives us.
We see a situation that was dreadful.
“The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.” The psalmist was at the point of death. He may have suffered from failing health, a horrific injury, or a life-threatening illness. He thought that he would die. The sorrows of death describe the morbid feeling of your life slipping away from you, a weakening of your body, and a consciousness that life could end. Most people fear death. The thought of your life ending sooner wraps its grip around you and fills even the bravest of people with fear and a sense of mortality.
We see a supplication that was desperate.
“Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.” In his desperation, the psalmist called on the Lord to deliver him from the nearness of death. He prayed an earnest prayer. He prayed an urgent prayer. He prayed his most direct and specific prayer request ever. When dreadful situations come upon, it is perhaps at those times when we pray our best prayers. What a reminder to us that we should pray as if we are in a trial, or the Lord might send us a trial to teach us to pray.
We see a survival that was derived.
“For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.” God answered his prayer. God delivered the psalmist from his near-death experience. He got his life back. He acknowledged that it was God and God alone Who enabled him to walk in the land of the living again. Like Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, this man was given a second chance. A second chance is a fresh opportunity to live our life differently from before. A second chance is an awakening that you have an opportunity to do things better the second time and to make every new opportunity a golden opportunity that you will not waste.
We see a statement of devotion.
“I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.” The psalmist declared his love for God because the Lord was gracious in answering him. Are you thankful when God answers your prayers? Are you closer to the Lord when He answers your prayers? Do you love Him more when He answers your prayers? The first thing he does is testifies of his incredible love for God for giving him a second chance.
We see a submissive desire.
“What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?” This second chance was a life-changing moment. The psalmist was a more devoted believer. He realized that in this second time around God deserved more and better of him. He gave himself wholly to the ministry of prayer, sacrifices, and the service of God. He knew that he needed to steward his second chance so that it would be known that he made the most it.
God is merciful and gracious. I am thankful that we are beneficiaries of more than just a second chance. What will you render or give to the Lord for all of His benefits to you? Don’t waste or squander your second chances!
Have an abounding God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Psalms 17-20
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