I don’t watch many reality television shows. For the few I
might watch, I tend to get bored after an episode or two. But, so far, this
season of America’s Got Talent has been different.
Every week, I’ve shed a few tears. Not from laughter, but
because of the second chances.
It’s the humbleness of the performers, some who don’t even
realize how talented they are, but who never stopped trying.
It’s the men and
women who didn’t let age, illness, or adversity stand in their way.
It’s the
ones who got back up and tried again, regardless of what came their way in
life.
It’s those acts, and the human stories behind them, that
choke me up. And inspire me.
Every week I’m
reminded that God gives us second chances and new opportunities every day.
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:21-23 NIV
Regardless of what
talents we may or may not have, how we have succeeded or failed in the past, or
what dreams we may have given up on…it’s not too late.
God does not give up on His children. In fact, what we see as a dead
end may be a redirect to move us into the plans God has for us.
When the road we travel
doesn’t look the way we planned or hoped for, we get disappointed, frustrated,
and maybe even a little scared. But, when the road looks the way God planned,
it’s a better road than we could have created.
This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to
you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the
plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and
not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:10-11 NIV
No
matter how long it takes, we don’t have to stop trying when we reach a certain
age, or when illness has taken time from us. When we keep looking for new
opportunities, they will present themselves.
I guess
the question is…will we be ready, or have we already given up?
In
Christ,
Laura
[Photo
credit: FreeImages.com]
I'm so thankful for the many many times God has given me another chance!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Laura. I've been especially saddened lately by dream eaters: loss of income, degrading bodies, and errant adult children. But God is righteous and true. He will lead us to His kingdom one faithful tear at a time.
ReplyDeleteI needed to read this tonight. Thank you again.
Visiting from #FreshMarketFriday.
I don't want that show, but I've watched other shows like it, and I'm with you, Laura: the humility of the contestants always wins me over too! And for those who are NOT humble? It's usually obvious that they lose the crowd's favor. A lesson for all of us!
ReplyDeleteAmen, Laura! I need His grace and a fresh start each day. His grace is overwhelming. Thanks so much for linking up at CMB. Many blessings to you!!
ReplyDeleteHi Laura,
ReplyDeleteI haven't watched the show this season, but I love stories like that, too! I'd probably be crying right alongside you! I love these words of truth you wrote here. It is never too late! NEVER! I wrote a post not too long ago called, When You Feel It's Too Late. Our hearts are aligned, friend!
Thank you so much for joining me for #MomentsofHope! My prayer has been that God would bring hope-filled posts that point to Him each week! Yours is a beautiful addition!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori