Having A Second Chance In Life

On January 15, 2009, 155 people on US Airways flight 1549 thought they were going to die. During take-off from New York City, their plane struck a flock of geese, disabling both engines. In a powerless glide, the captain maneuvered the aircraft over a densely populated area and then calmly announced, “Brace for impact.

A few short seconds later, the crippled plane successfully landed in the frigid waters of the Hudson River. In a matter of minutes, boats and ferries arrived to rescue the passengers and crew, all of whom survived.

Folks called the event the “miracle on the Hudson,” praising the pilot and crew for their professionalism in landing the aircraft. One grateful passenger said simply, “We have a second chance in life.

In times of crisis, grasping the importance of every minute of every hour is of utmost importance — a second chance, if you will. However, during each ordinary day where no crisis exists, we often forget that God continues to give us a second chance in life as well.

The writer of Lamentations tells us: “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I hope in Him!’ ” (Lamentations 3:22-24).

We can choose to live with thankfulness for God’s mercy and grace, with confidence in His faithful care, and with hope because He is with us forever (Hebrews 13:5).

Today (and every day), God offers us a second chance in life and living for Him. Life is precious — let’s not waste a minute of it!

Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets

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