A scout for the National Football League was watching a college team practice one day. A brute of a linebacker was eating a wide receiver for lunch.
The wide receiver would catch a pass and BAM! The linebacker was right there in his face to smash tackle the smaller fella.
The wide receiver would step out to block for a running play and CRUNCH! The linebacker ran right over him.
Each time they’d meet the wide receiver would end up with a face mask full of grass. This continued for quite some time during practice until a friend of the NFL scout came by and guessed out loud that the scout was keeping an eye on the linebacker who kept knocking players down. “I was,” he replied, “but now I’m interested in that guy who keeps getting back up.”
There’s something to be said about second chances and persistence—getting knocked down but not staying down, and then trying again. If you’ve failed your New Year’s resolution why give up? God hasn’t given up on you. The Bible promises, “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out” (Isaiah 42:3).
Bruised ego? Smoldering outlook on life? “I will take hold of your hand,” God says (Isaiah 42:6).
The solution to breaking a promise because of sinful weakness or laziness or messed up priorities is God’s forgiveness. And if you make the same sinful mistake again, well, the re-solution is God’s forgiveness. Again.
He pulls you back up like Jesus pulling Peter out of the stormy waters of the Sea of Galilee, “Let’s try this again.”
So, if you haven’t kept your resolution, try again in the forgiven hope of the re-solution. God will always be committed to loving you no matter how often you fall. Keep looking to him, as he holds out his hand and assures you that you can get back up. Again.
PRAYER: Jesus, you are Lord of all including my resolutions. When I think too small, expand my hope. When I am too proud or complacent, disrupt my comfort zone. When I fail, hold me in your arms and never let me go. Give me courage to make promises and strength to keep them. Amen.
FURTHER MEDITATION: What lies does the devil want you to believe about your resolutions you already have not kept? Write these down. What truths and promises does God give to you, assuring you that you have his grace to try again? Write these down also. Now, cross out or tear up the lies. Keep the truths.
