As we venture into another New Year, we have a clear calendar—a clean slate to start things fresh and anew. Committing to new diets and exercise plans, starting new jobs or retirement, dreaming about new travel plans, and launching new hobbies are just a few. We can build new relationships or pledge to work better at old ones.
We may want to mend our ways, put aside bad habits, or face up to sins where we have shown weakness. As much as the apostle Peter loved the Lord and pledged his heart to His teaching, he denied his Lord in moments of weakness. In fact, because of fear, Peter denied that he knew Jesus three times. Immediately, Peter was crushed and heartbroken. But he pulled himself together, admitted his failure, and determined to overcome flaws and fears.
Peter became a solid rock—a force to reckon with—and helped lay the foundation for spreading the gospel in the early church. God gave him a second chance. Peter didn’t give up and quit. His love for Jesus and the good news of God’s saving grace motivated him to move forward in step with God. He claimed victory over his failures.
God is a God of second chances. Many times—most of the time, but not always—God will help us overcome our fears, sins, and failures. Not everyone will get a second chance, but if you are reading this, you still have time.
Ask God to do a new work in your life during this New Year.
Karen Huffaker is now a breakthrough freelance Christian writer after working many years writing and editing in the corporate/legal world. She has taught children’s Sunday school and single mom’s Bible studies and written poetry. She is from the deep South and loves reading Christian books, devotionals, genealogy adventures, fishing, and all things family. She is also passionate about her grandchildren’s sporting events.