Be aware of where you have come from. But ALWAYS move forward.
(Picture by Lisa R.)

This morning I woke worried about finances. Worried that God wouldn’t meet our needs, or that He would, but I wouldn’t be paying attention to His leaing and miss what He was saying. Then church started. Worship reminded me that. “There is no one greater, no one higher, no one like our God. There is none more able. Christ our savior great and glorious.” Then my Pastor started his sermon in Luke 16 (we are going verse by verse through the book of Luke), by letting us know today’s scriptures talks about MONEY and hell. Hahaha. God…JOKES. You would think then that this post would be about how God will provide for me and meet my needs (and in a sense it is), but that’s not what God laid on my heart as I listened to today’s message. No, today’s post will be about second chances. About God taking us out of our current situation to give us a chance to start again. There are many things in my life I wish I had done differently, things I wish I could rewind and do again, a do-over so to speak. Unfortunately life does not hand out do-overs. But that does not mean we can’t have a second chance. It does not mean that God can’t provide an opportunity for us to walk the line, the path He has created for us. As I sat in church this morning I went over in my mind all the things around me that have changed. Starting with my Church: our Pastor stepped down. It was devastating and heart breaking and for a moment I though, ‘Who could replace him?” But God, provided us with a Pastor. Pastor Doug, is right man for right now. Our church can breathe and we have been given a second chance a new opportunity to come to church for God and not for man. Second chance number one. My job. The center that I worked at started out with nine people (this includes doctor, nurses, and office staff). Yup nine…the originals. Right now of the nine only three remain. But in their absence there have been new office staff, new nurses, new doctors bringing with them a new perspective, change, and growth. Second chance number two. My life. Up to this point I have lived doing what was necessary. Necessary to take care of my family. Necessary to meet the bills and not live under a cardboard box. But all the while knowing I wasn’t really doing what I was meant to do. Then God literally one day just impressed on my heart that it was time to, GO. He gently started reminding me of my dreams, of what I had said I wanted to do for Him with my life. Then I asked myself this question, “Why hadn’t I done it? What stopped me?” My answer… Fear. Then God gave me Joshua 1:5-9. “Be strong and courageous do not be afraid or be discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” So right now my house consists of more boxes than furniture. In less than two weeks I will be leaving my home, to start something new. Second chance number three.  This morning I woke up worried about finances. But God, showed me He was giving me a second chance.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

So what’s the plan? Second chance here I come!!!! 😀