November Gratitude Stone 27 Mulligans
Anne Shirley “Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?”
• L.M. Montgomery
Micah 7:18 Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.
Ps. 86:15 But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
I am grateful for do-overs. God’s mercies are “new” every morning, not because God benefits by it, but because we do! His love is constant but we have a fresh chance every day to grow in obedience to Him. Therefore, I choose to put my full trust in Him. He has never let me down! I may have messed things up royally today. But tomorrow, He’ll be right there for me, longing to forgive me, help me, calm me, strengthen me, encourage me and pour out His steadfast love and mercy upon me.
A mulligan is a golf term that means a second chance or a do-over. It is a shot not counted against the score. I do not golf and I do not believe God gives second chances! Why not?! Because He is not saying that I can do anything to prove myself, nor can I ever succeed at any other chance to try my best. My best will NEVER be good enough, no matter how many chances I am offered. Instead, God gives me a spiritual mulligan, which is infinitely better than a second, third or fourth chance. It is called GRACE. Apart from God’s grace and overwhelming love, I can only fail. All the “do-overs” in the world will not change a thing! Instead, Jesus golfed a perfect game and as given me his scorecard.
There are countless people in history and the Bible who have gotten a chance for a fresh start: A spiritual mulligan based entirely on unmerited favor and unconditional love. Jonah, who had more than one. David, who became a man after God’s own heart. Moses who became a friend of God. Saul, who persecuted Jews, changed his name and wrote most of the New Testament. And then there is Peter! Jesus said to him at the Passover meal, “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:32). Peter, after denying Jesus 3 times, was called back into the game in John 21 by Jesus!
So I lay down my Ebenezer of Grace with gratitude and relief!
Thank you Lord, for your righteousness and your mercies which are new every morning!