By Olubunmi Adebayo
*Take a careful look at the life and story of king Uzziah. A man who embraced the awesome grace of God in becoming a king at the tender age of 16, who enjoyed unbelievable good success for 52 years, but allowed one pride to end it all :*
*He had 52 years of great grace from God. He became famous through God. But one singular day of pride which he allowed to enter into him as he proceeded into the Temple of God to do the unthinkable.*
*That one act brought leprosy upon Uzziah, and ultimately death.*
*Uzziah never entered the Temple for the rest of his life. 52 years of God’s faithfulness cannot cover a moment of hardened pride, and reckless disobedience.*
*Look at the example of Judas Ischariot. He had the privilege of three and a half years of working closely with Jesus, but his last chance ended in his betrayal – using kiss ( a means of expressing love and affection) to hand over his leader for death.*
*John 13:30 says after Judas took the sop, he went out “and it was night.” For Judas, it remained night forever. No second chance after betrayal.*
*_Why does God not operate unlimited chances with man?_*
*A) Because time is limited – Is 55:6 says “Seek ye the Lord WHILE he may be found, call ye upon him WHILE he is near.” Man does not have the opportunity of time for ever. And this is why we must be careful of the chances that come across our way :*
*”Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”.(Phill 2:12)*
*B) Every man’s heart can become hardened – Heb 3:15 – “Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”*
*If you keep saying no to God, a time will come when your heart no longer hears Him anymore.*
*C) Because choices have consequences -Gal 6:7 – “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”*
*The grace of God forgives sinners, but it does not always remove the scar. David was forgiven for his iniquity with Bathsheba, but the sword never departed from his house – we all saw this played out plainly – and this can happen to anyone.*
*Eccl 8:11 says “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” No one should mistake God’s patience for permission of frivolities.*
*WHAT SHOULD A MAN DO WITH HIS CHANCE?*
*Understand that if you are still breathing, God has not finished with you.That life in you is your second chance.*
*1. Don’t waste this chance by playing Samson’s games.*
*When God delivered Samson 3 good times from Delilah, he thought it was a game without end. But the 4th time, the game ended. No more show!*
*2. Learn to repent quickly and truly.*
*The difference between Peter and Judas was not the sin – both betrayed Jesus. The difference was repentance. One wept and returned. The other wept and hanged himself.*
*3. Act immediately.* *2 Cor 6:2 – “Behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation.” Don’t say next year I will be serious with God. Next year may not meet you where you are.*
*Each time God gives you a chance – He is standing with two things in His hands :*
*A) In His right hand is His MERCY, saying “I have come to give you a new beginning in this new chance.”*
*B) In His left hand is JUSTICE, saying “But don’t take my mercy through this chance for granted.”*
*Remember, the prodigal son got a second chance because he returned. No wonder the father was eager to welcome him back home.*
*You may have exhausted your chances with men – your boss might have said no more, your spouse might say no more, your pastor might have said no more. But God is saying “My mercy endures for you.”*
*Always remember – Samson’s hair grew again, his power came back again, but his eyes were never restored back. God can restore your destiny, but you may live with the scar of your wasted chances.*
*Please don’t play a fool with God, take His chances for you with all seriousness – every second chance, could be your last chance.*
Top of the day to you 👍
©️ Olubunmi S Adebayo.
