I took on a large writing project this summer, which didn’t leave much room for devotion writing. I worked hard for several evenings and finally finished most of my summer devotion projects. Like always, I saved these devotions on my flash drive and began working on another project.

A few days later, I wanted to proofread what I’d written. So, I stuck my flash drive into my computer. Nothing happened except an error message. My heart stopped. Seriously? I clicked on everything I knew to click on. I watched videos on how to retrieve items from a flash drive. Nothing. All my writings I had saved on that flash drive for over a year were gone. Caput. Nada.

After three days, many phone calls, software downloads, and tears, I asked God what to do. I heard no audible voice and saw no neon lights. Just the sweet assurance in my heart that if He gave me the words the first time, He’d do it again. Not the answer I wanted, that’s for sure, but it’s the answer I got.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

~Proverbs 3:5 ESV

So, here I am, on round two of writing these devotions. Apparently, God has a message for all of us that wasn’t in the first round. Or maybe He just wanted to teach me the importance of backing up my documents. Honestly, I have no clue, but I do know that sometimes we need to try again. Sometimes, we need a re-do.

I’m not sure about you, but I’ve experienced times when my attitude and words jumped out before my brain and heart could stop them. Even this week, I wasn’t very nice to someone on the phone because I had rearranged my day for her, and then she bailed at the last minute. She didn’t even call; she only emailed me a memo that simply read, “Canceled.” I was hot, and the message I left on her voicemail made my frustration quite obvious.

But what if I had tried to share Jesus with her after my hot-tempered message? There’s no way she would have received that. At such times, I want a re-do.

I’m grateful God is a God of second, third, and eighteenth chances. I’m thankful He sent Jesus to pay for the sins that should have cost our lives instead. And boy, am I thankful that He gave me a second chance with that lady when she called me back and allowed me to be kind the second time.

For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

~John 1:16 ESV

Let’s work hard to let God lead us in the best way the first time. But if we need a re-do, let’s do it humbly and gracefully. As Jesus did for us.

Trust God to guide you if you need a life re-do or a fresh start. 

Dear Jesus, thank You for a second chance. But in the future, please teach me to hold my tongue and get it right the first time. Amen.

 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: Re-do: Christy Bass Adams: All Rights Reserved