Have you ever called for a “do-over?” Kids do it all the time. If they don’t like the way they hit the ball, rolled the dice, or jumped the hill on their bike, they call for a “do-over.” In the game of golf, a “do-over” is called a Mulligan. My husband taught me that!
I’ve called for a “do-over” many times in my life. Sometimes it’s been the result of a mistake while other times it’s been because I’ve fallen into the trap of sin. Yesterday, I needed a “do-over” because of a big ole goof!
I hate to admit it but sometimes I rush to meet my devotional deadline. As a result, mistakes are made. Nevertheless, I have the editing process to back me up. Their job is to read through each devotion with a fine tooth editorial comb in order to correct any mistakes made. Unfortunately, yesterday’s devotion was pushed ahead in the process to fill a spot where another devotion had been removed.
Over 200,000 subscribers were sent a devotion full of mistakes!
Can anyone scream “DO-OVER!”
Proverbs 31 Ministries strives for excellence in all we do especially the handling of the Word of God. So when the devotion went out, I was horrified! Concerned about our readers, we quickly posted the correct verses on our daily blog page. I did so as well on mine. But others will be confused as they search the Bible for the book David! Hello!? There is no gospel according to David! And I’m not trying to rewrite the scriptures. God has never asked for my advice and He sure didn’t start yesterday!
To make me feel better, my husband kept repeating the same thing over and over. “You’re only human.” He was right.
God knows we are human, too. He understands our limitations. Rushing to meet a deadline exposed both my humanness and my limitations. The cool thing is God invented “do-over’s.” Not some tunic wearing kid tossing rocks into a circle during the ancient years. Nope. It was God. He is a God of second chances…and third…and forth…and so on.
The bible says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
I don’t think a few mistakes in a devotional is sin. I make them all the time on my blog. I consider blogging like journaling. I just write. I don’t go back and correct my misspelled or words. So, sorry to all of you who read with red pens in hand. I do believe, however, that I should apologize—which I have—and use this opportunity as a teaching lesson. If my devotions are not ready to turn in—don’t!
What about when there is sin in our lives. Perhaps we’ve hurt a loved one in some way. Well, God offers you a “do-over.” You can confess your sin to Him and He will cleanse you and give you a fresh start. We also get a fresh start and a second chance when we confess our wrong-doings to others and ask for their forgiveness.
What about you. Do you need a “do-over” today? Perhaps you can share it with us. You’ll be amazed at what a second chance to make things right can do for you and others.
Dana says
Wow…I've never been the FIRST comment…Da Dittah Da!!
Although I have had many "do-overs" in my life, the greatest one has been the chance to grow a happy marriage in the Lord. When I married the first time I was not operating in the Lord (& neither was he). We were putting on the "right" "faces", but we were far from a relatonship with The Father. Eventually, our marriage crumbled and divorce followed. Along the way, I met a man who would become my "do-over" so to say. God grabbed him right out of the gate and I followed close behind him! Mike had also been victim of a Godless marriage..So together we "did-it-over" together. Putting God first and growing an amazing marriage that focuses on God first! Yes, this "do-over" was definitely one for the books!
Sharon Sloan - Joy In The Truth says
Grace…grace…grace be unto you.
Micca, you are loved. My children’s breakfast devotion verse for today may be the perfect encouragement for you. I am sure you are well familiar with it. You have done what the Lord has required with this mistake and “do-over”. And…the verse is from your name sake “Micah”! 🙂
“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
I have been praying about a do-over. I feel I have hurt a friend, although I am not sure how exactly. I am asking the Lord to search my heart and then to ordain a time with her so we can have a heart-to-heart.
Right there with you….wanting to act justly, loving mercy upon mercy, and wanting to walk humbly with Him.
Love you, sweet sister.
Sharon 🙂
Vern ~ Inspired says
I am in the process of a do-over in a friendship.
Sometimes we hurt people and do not even realize it or to what extent…I am grateful for do-overs and grace!
Your correction and apology were beautifully dun (ha, ha – I meant) done!
Love YA!!!
Jeanette says
Hey, Micca! I met you last week in Ridgecrest. I just stopped in (loved your post today — I can definitely relate) to tell you that I cannot get your message about trading out of my mind. Over the past few days, when I've been tempted by one thing or another I've thought about what I might be trading.
Thanks for coming & thanks for sharing! Jeanette
On Purpose says
I am a mommy…so that means I am always in need of a “do-over”.
Micca your heart is always so geniune…I love to read your blog, you help us all to see we are human and God loves us! Thank you!
Carol Davis says
I don’t have to ask for a ‘do-over’….I AM a DO OVER!
🙂
Great post….
Wonderful reminder that we are all human.