Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. ~ II Corinthians 5:17

Interestingly enough, I went to a big church out here in my new city and that was the last line said in the sermon today for their midweek service. It also happens to be the title of the sermon my ex and I worked on together almost a year ago.

I had been visiting friends in OH in mid-August last year and the preacher was listing “He’s the God of this, He’s the God of that” and when he got to “He’s the God of second chances” I felt God say in my heart “that’s for [my ex].” As I drove back from OH, I spoke with my ex on the phone and when I told him that he was like “wow, that’s what God’s been telling me to work on for my sermon I’m preparing for Africa next week.” It was a moment that brought us closer.

That same sermon became something that was telling of who my ex was.  During his mission trip in Africa, he was told he’d have two chances to speak.  The first time up, he felt in his heart that it would be the only chance he would get and that he should do the “God of second chances” sermon, but sought his pastor’s word to confirm.  His pastor told him that he’d get another chance and to just do the one he had lined up.  Low and behold he never got that chance and after hearing the sermon that followed him, he realized his sermon would have been the perfect lead in.

Although I am not saying that we should ignore our pastors, I am also saying that they are not God.  We need to be incredibly careful going against our pastor’s word, but we should also never come to the point where we follow what they say above what God is saying. Anything a pastor tells us to do should never contradict the Word of God and if you feel a strong urge in the Holy Ghost to do something, be prayerfully careful in what you choose to do.

Regardless though, I am so very, very glad that He is my God of second chances and that He’s given me this new guy who might be my second chance at happiness.  Do I know for sure if I want to marry this guy? I have no clue. I can’t read him well enough yet to be able to discern what is real and what is something that I just perceive to be real about him. I want him to be my Boaz. I want him to be the one God sent into my life to redeem what was lost. I want him to be my Isaac that adores me, that I’d be safe in leaving all that I know for because God would be telling me he’s right for me. All I do know is that so far, God keeps saying stay and so I stay. Are things perfect? No. But then again, I’m still trying to break out of the expectations of my old relationship- both the good and the bad.  I’m used to being yelled at for insane things like not talking loud enough on the phone or wanting to eat McDonald chicken nuggets. I’m also used to talking on the phone at least 1-2hrs a day and texting throughout the day. Although the communication thing is the only thing I can think of that isn’t to the level I would like in this relationship, it is definitely improving as time goes on and I have a feeling part of it is because my boyfriend was burnt by his last relationship.  I wonder if I can help him see that our God is a God of second chances?

Jesus, 

Thank You for all that You’ve done in my life. Help us to see that through You, we can have new lives. We can have a second chance at living. Help us to always remember the awesome power You have to clean us and make us new creatures- one with new habits and new desires.  I thank You Jesus.

I love You Jesus with all my heart, 

Rebekah M.