The other day, I celebrated my birthday in church. Some of the children had their share of the balloons used for decorations. My younger daughter had a few, too. As we drove home, she began playing with the balloons. We cautioned her not to do that in the car, but her excitement would not let her listen.
One after the other, the balloons began to burst; one even flew out through the car window. Then she began to cry. I just ignored her and faced my driving. But what happens when a Christian bursts it? What happens if you miss it in your walk with God?
Friend, the Christian race is not a perfect journey. It is a journey unto perfection (Ephesians 4:12, Philippians 1:6). There might be times you miss it. There might be times you burst the balloon. A single lady (or guy) may lose her virginity despite all the sermons she has heard on sexual purity. A pastor may end up acting contrary to the terms of his calling and ministry. A young man, despite hearing many sermons on financial integrity, may find himself in a financial mess. Stuff do happen, but we must not allow them to define us (Micah 7:8).
I have always told people that God is not just a God of a second chance. He is the God of another chance. If it were to be a second chance, many of us may not have had any chance left to fulfil destiny (1 Timothy 1:16). But He keeps giving us another chance. He would not give up on us if we won’t give up on Him or on ourselves. God’s will is not that you miss it, but He has made provisions for your shortcomings (1 John 2:1-2).
When we cautioned our daughter about the balloons, she was extra careful to ensure she did not get them burst or lost, but her carefulness could not do much. Sometimes, despite being careful, we still miss it. As a pastor, I have learnt by experience that, sometimes, the people who miss it are some of the good-hearted, well-intentioned people you can ever meet. We must never confuse people’s actions for their hearts (1 Samuel 16:7).
God will always present you with an opportunity to make your ways right with Him (Isaiah 1:18). But what would you do with it? Would you allow guilt and condemnation to keep you from the times of refreshing available for you in God (Acts 3:19)? Would you allow what people will say to keep you from having a comeback that would redefine your life for good? What if the prodigal son had minded what people would say? He would have been dead and gone forever (Luke 15:18-24).
Samson’s hair began to grow again (Judges 16:22). He even killed more people at his death than when he was alive (Judges 16:29-30). God is able to make a masterpiece out of the broken pieces of your life. He can bring a message out of your mess. Did you miss out on divine instruction at a point in your life? Trust God for another chance. Did you miss a major opportunity for divine moulding in times past? Maximise where you are now with God. Don’t cry over the balloons that have burst or lost. Repent and stage a comeback with God (1 John 1:9). God will do more in your future than the devil has done in your past. Be encouraged!
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria