The God of Second ChancesSample

What Have You Done?

I am constantly amazed by the enormous mess my young children can make in a short amount of time. A few moments of looking the other way can result in complete chaos. I am left asking, “What have you done?” I can’t help but wonder if God felt something similar in the Garden of Eden.

We start our study on second chances there, in Eden, where it all began. The Garden was a place where God’s relationship with His creation flourished, and their bond was seemingly unbreakable. However, Adam and Eve underestimated the power of the enemy and the enticement of sin (v. 1-6). I am sure Eve did not wake up one morning and say, “Adam, let’s make a huge mess of our lives!” But the lure and temptation of sin was in the air, and it was intense. They not only broke God’s commandment but also their relationship with Him (v. 7).

Even though God is all-knowing, He came to Adam and Eve with a series of questions. In each of the first three questions, God asked Adam and Even to clarify and confess what happened. But His fourth and final question reveals His heart: “What is this you have done?” (v. 13).

When we make a mess of our lives, it is easy to push the blame onto someone else like Adam and Eve did. Facing the consequences of our decisions can be painful, but not taking responsibility can lead to something far worse.

Thankfully, we have a God who provided a way to restore our relationship with Him. While the consequences of our actions may sting, because of His love for us, He gave humanity a second chance. Just as death came into the world through the sin of Adam and Eve, a second chance came into the world through Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:21–22).

Do you need a second chance? We all have areas in our lives that get messy. Be honest with God and open your heart to recognizing your need for forgiveness. Ask the Lord to help you clean up your mess and watch the God of Second Chances do His work.