IF GOD GIVES YOU A SECOND CHANCE, DON'T WASTE IT!

1. If God Gives You A Second Chance, Don't Waste It!

 a) The Samson's Story

@1. Samson called to the Lord, saying, “O Lord God, remember me, I pray! Strengthen me, I pray, just this once, O God, that I may with one blow take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes!”

@2. Now the temple was full of men and women. All the lords of the Philistines were there — about three thousand men and women on the roof watching while Samson performed.

@3. Then, Samson took hold of the two middle pillars which supported the temple, and he braced himself against them, one on his right and the other on his left…..” and he brought down the house, killing everyone!

b) Only God knows!

@1. This is a comforting fact, because God can take a person who made mistake after mistake and still use him or her.

@2. God uses ordinary people; those who have weaknesses and have failed in life. There are no perfect Christians, only broken and humble followers of Jesus.

@3. Maybe you feel that you’ve messed up your life so badly that God will never use you again.

@4. God never gave up on Samson and He has not given up on you. God sees your potential and He remembers why He made you, you were created for great things.

@5. What should you do if you have made some major mistakes in life? Exactly what Samson finally did, turn your life over to the Lord. Give Him all the pieces of your brokenness and allow him to rebuild your life to be something that will be to his Glory.

@6. Only God knows the greatness and potential in your life, but you’ll never bring it out on your own, He must do it in His strength. Allow him to have full control over your life today.

c) If God gives you a second chance, what must you do?

@1. If God gives you a second chance in life, don't waste it since our lives are like vapor that appears for a brief moment and then departs. We must count our days in order to develop a wise heart (Psalm 90:12).

d) Why should we give people a second chance?

@1. People can learn from their mistakes — and when you give them a second opportunity, you allow them to demonstrate this. After all, we all do need another chance in life.

e) Who was given a second chance in the Bible?

@1. “And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time” (Jonah 3:1). This time Jonah was determined to put aside his fears and obey the Lord. After all, he probably thought, if he fulfilled his duty in Nineveh, the Lord would destroy one of Israel's most brutal enemies!

f) What does the Bible say about second chances?

@1. God is not only the God of second chances; He is the God of another chance. This is good news because most of us mess up the second chance fairly quickly. One of the amazing facets of God’s character is His incredible patience with us.

Psalm 86:1

"But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness."

Micah 7:18

"Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love."