Making the Most of a Second Chance

​

In the 2014 NFL draft, the St. Louis Rams selected Maurice Alexander, a safety from Utah State. It was a dream come true after an unusual path to the NFL.

 

In 2012, Alexander punched a teammate, an assault that required emergency surgery. He pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and was kicked off the team. That year, he worked as a janitor at the St. Louis Rams’ stadium, his NFL dreams suddenly uncertain. 

 

In 2013, Utah State coach Matt Wells gave Alexander a second chance, reinstating him after he fulfilled his obligations. Alexander learned and grew from his failure. “It made me the man I am today,” he said. “It made me a better man today.” Wells agreed, saying, “He’s been a great teammate since he’s back.”

 

Like Alexander, Christians are a people of second chances. When we sin and repent, God forgives (1 Jn. 1:9), giving us another opportunity to learn, grow, and change.

 

Peter is a case study of a man who made the most of a second chance. After denying the Lord three times, he “went out and wept bitterly” (Lk. 22:62). His failure helped shape and mold him. After His resurrection, Jesus gave Peter three opportunities to reaffirm his love and restored him to service (Jn. 21:15-17). Peter ultimately became a pillar in the early church (Gal. 2:9) and a central figure in spreading the gospel.

 

Someone once said of Maurice Alexander, “He wanted to be more than a janitor who had blown a football career.” Well, Peter wanted to be more than an impulsive apostle who had blown his loyalty the night Jesus was arrested (Matt. 26:69-75). 

 

We too can be more than what our past failures might indicate. God is a God of another chance, but it's upon us to make the most of it. Paul tells us to walk wisely, “redeeming the time” (Eph. 5:15-16). The most foolish thing we can do with a second chance is waste it.

 

You've heard, “Your past does not have to dictate your future.” But our past can sure shape our future. Whether your failure was as public as an assault charge or as personal as a denial of your faith, God’s grace offers another chance. So use it to grow, use it to change, use it to become better. Don’t squander a second chance. Make the most of the opportunity.

​

Written by Craig Ressler