God isn’t late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change.” – 2 Peter 3:9

I was driving down the road the other day and my 7-year-old said something that truly spoke to my soul.  She said, “I know what the best part is about being a mom is.”  Hmmm.  Interesting… Lay it on me, Hope.  “The best part about being a mom is giving your kids a chance.”  A chance? A chance to do what?  “You know Mom, a chance to do good.  Like when I mess up, you always give me a chance to do better.  And I see how happy that makes you.”

She is right.  I am her biggest cheerleader.  And I always want to make sure she gets a second chance when she makes a mistake.  I believe that is the fruit of the Holy Spirit living inside me, to be an extravagant grace dispenser to my children.  And, as much as I desire this for my own children, I can only imagine how much God desires it for each of us, His children.

My gratitude is immeasurable for the grace that my loving Father has shown me.  So many times I have messed up and made the wrong choices.  But God is always there to give me a second, third and sometimes fourth chance to make things right.  His mercies are new every morning, and I am thankful that my course in life is not determined by my mistakes alone.

I am thankful today for those organizations in our community that are truly grace dispensers in the world.  Those people who are dedicated to helping people to have a second chance and to make better decisions with their futures.  I ask you all to pray with me for the well-being and stability of those organizations that we will be supporting with the Magic City Miracle:  The Lovelady Center, The Foundry, and the Shepherd’s Fold.

If you would like to learn more about our mission with these organizations, please visit our event website:

http://www.magiccitymiracle.org

Most Gracious Redeemer,

You are a merciful God; One who always believes in second chances.  I thank You for those chances You have given me to make my wrongs right.  Give me the heart of a grace dispenser for all people.  Give me the boldness to declare Your goodness and mercy to everyone I encounter, that they might have the hope of redemption that I depend on.  Use me Lord, as an instrument of Your grace in a broken world.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen