Theme:   People of the Second Chance - Real Change

This eDevotional was written by a volunteer from Timberlake Church.

READ: 2 Corinthians 9:8; Ephesians 1:4

THINK: 2 Corinthians 12:9 has been a foundational truth in my life - it says:

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you,
 for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

I’ll never forget the day almost 11 years ago when I woke on Christmas at 4:00 in the afternoon and simply thought that I was dead or wished that I was. I had spent many years abusing my body with alcohol (and drugs) and had finally reached my bottom. It was scary and lonely and I felt a deep sense of hopelessness. I wasn’t sure where to turn but I knew that God would save me if I only surrendered my life and the mess I’d made to Him.

Now 10 and a half years later, I have a life that He intended for me. I am now walking in His grace and am so grateful that He chose to rescue me. This is just a part of my story of recovery and I am now happily married with two wonderful kids and a life that I’m sure God is proud of. It was grace that brought me here. His plan was not for me to die or to waste what was intended for me in this life. I was given a second chance and for that I am thankful.

In John 1:12 it is written: “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”  I have received, believed and now have become a child of God. He will NEVER leave me behind, no matter what it is I have done to disappoint Him. I have committed myself to a new direction as Pastor Ben told us in the weekend message and it is my mission to please God and use this new life He has given me to glorify Him.

Of the many things I love about our church, it is the idea that we are accepted as who we are, sometimes broken and beat down but all we have to do is receive the grace offered to us through Jesus Christ. Thank you God for taking this poor lost soul and giving me a second chance, I will be grateful always for your trust in me.

Do: Think about your past and the areas you have abused the gifts God has given you. Change directions now if you are still in that space, and accept God’s grace. Reach out for help if you need it and simply surrender to His will for you. He has a great plan for your life, take it and make Him proud.

Pray: Thank you for this second chance my Wonderful Counselor and help me to stay on the path you have chosen for me. I am so grateful for your grace and will live my life as you desire for me to live. God, protect my path as I walk with you and hold my hand when needed. Amen!