We often think of second chances as grand or pivotal moments – wake up call from a health scare, recovery from a near-death experience or narrow escape from an accident. King Hezekiah had one of those moments – he was told he would die, but after he prayed earnestly, God added 15 more years to his life (2 Kings 20:1-6).
But here’s the truth: most second chances don’t look like that. Most of them look like – today. Every new day is a second chance – whether we recognise it or not.
The question is: What are we doing with the time God gives us every new day?
Second Chances often Arrive Quietly
King Hezekiah received a dramatic extension of his life. We receive ours quietly every day – wrapped in the ordinary rhythm of the morning. If God renews his mercy every morning, then each day is a fresh invitation – to live better than yesterday, to start again, and to return to Him.
His mercies are new every morning – Lamentations 3:23
We often Waste the Time we ask God for
When life gets tough, we cry out for help, clarity or more time. And when God gives it to us? We slip back into our old patterns and habits! King Hezekiah’s bonus years were a gift, but he didn’t steward them well. He fell back into his pride and arrogance.
After being saved from the Assyrians and being miraculously healed from a mortal illness, Hezekiah became proud and did not return the favor to the Lord. His pride caused God’s wrath to be directed at him and the people of Jerusalem – 2 Chronicles 32:25
Live Today like Someone Who Knows Time is a Gift
You don’t need God to add 15 years to your life. You need to value the 24 hours you’re given every day. We honour our days by living with intention, refusing to get stuck or just drift through life – and choosing purpose over passivity.
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom – Psalm 90:12
My Invitation
This is my invitation to you today – start living each new day as a gift of second chance.