Theme:   People of the Second Chance

This eDevotional was written by a volunteer from Timberlake Church.

READ:  Matthew 7:12; John 4:39-40; John 9: 4-9

THINK: This weekend Pastor Dave Nelson talked about how easy it is for us to label people without even realizing it. Often the labels aren't something we see as bad, just ways of figuring people out - such as ‘they are kind’ or ‘she’s great with kids’. The downside to doing this however is that we can keep those labels in our heads without seeing if they are still relevant.

As a parent, I still think of my kids as the same characters they have always been. But I realize that I am limiting their growth by doing that. That can be a problem spiritually as well. Here’s what I mean:

For each of us, God has a plan and purpose! He develops parts of our character and allows us to grow into people we never imagined we could be. When we miss the changes God has been working through His grace, I am not only limiting them, but not seeing the wonders God can do!

I have been blessed to move to new areas a number of times in my life. While some moves have been more painful than others they have been a blessing, too. A blessing because as I start at each new church I am unlabeled, I am not the person who always does kids ministry or hosts a group, but I can be just as God has changed me to be at THAT time. I have experienced over and over when I revisit people from past churches they still see me as I had been despite my age or the work that God has done in me since. They miss out on seeing how God has changed me and worked literal wonders because they haven’t re-examined the labels they have on me.

We all label people - sometimes quickly, sometimes over time -  but thanks to God’s grace we can take the time to see what God is doing in ourselves and in others and watch as God gives us all a new start and second chance.

We can see that the Bible is full of people who have been changed by God’s grace because as Leighton Ford says ‘God loves us the way we are, but too much to leave us that way’. As we pay attention we can see that God is changing us today.

DO: Take a few moments to think of how God has worked a change in your life. What did you use to struggle with that God has given you the strength to deal with? What part of your character made life harder for you in the past but not as much today? Perhaps it is even looking at where God calls you to serve Him - What changes has He made as you have walked with Him that allows you to serve where you now do?

PRAY: Lord, thank you that you do not leave us as we are but you work within us to refine our lives and hearts. Please help us see in ourselves and others where you are working and be thankful for those changes. Teach us to support those we love in the midst of you molding and changing them. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.