The Miracle of Second Chances

The angel answered and said to [Zacharias], “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.” (Luke 1:19-20 NKJV)

While I love everything in the Word, my favorite part of the Christmas story is that Mary believed God. That’s what faith is: Believing God!

Sometimes though, we do not get things right with God the first time. In fact, other than Jesus, I cannot find anyone in the Bible who did not sin or make mistakes: not David, not Paul, nor any of the disciples. But those who prospered did not simply sit down and complain, saying, “That’s it, I’ll never amount to anything!” Instead, they repented and made a comeback.

During the first Christmas story, Zacharias made a comeback. Despite hearing from an angel that he would receive a miracle son in his old age, Zacharias (also called Zechariah) looked at his circumstances and wondered if God’s promise to him was too good to be true (Luke 1:18). But, oh boy, did God give Zacharias much more time to think. Despite having an amazing encounter in the temple with the angel, Gabriel, Zacharias was forced to remain speechless for months (Luke 1:19-22). Finally, God gave Zacharias a chance to get it right.

When John the Baptist was born, his mother wanted to name him John like the angel said, but the community questioned this decision and thought the boy should be named after his father, Zacharias (Luke 1:59-61). Here was Zacharias’ chance to act out his repentance! He “asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, ‘His name is John.’ So they all marveled. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God” (Luke 1:63-64 NKJV).

How many times have you remained on the outside of God’s blessings because your attitude caused you to miss out on what He had for you? God is so gracious! He wants all of us to experience the joy and fullness of what He has for us. God still gives room for repentance as a chance to get things right with Him. Whatever issue you experience, God will bring truth and light into your situation when you repent and believe. Like Zacharias, it will end with you praising God!

Reflection

Meditate on Luke 1:19-20. Note that we must believe God and His timing. Where do you need to repent to experience a comeback in your life?