One of my favorite “second chance” stories is that of Ben Carson. Yes, the soft-spoken, calm demeanor, unflappable adult who recently served in public office but is primarily known as the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins. One of the youngest doctors in the U.S. to earn such a title, he gained renown in his successful separation of occipital craniopagus twins in 1987.
But…as he describes it in chapter 6 of his book “Gifted Hands”, he had a “terrible temper” growing up. His parents divorced when he was 8, he spent his early childhood in Detroit, performed poorly in school, and at age 14, he explains that he confronted the most severe personal problem of his life, “one that almost ruined me forever.”
Reciting outbursts of temper in multiple situations, even at his mother, he describes an ultimate incident of blind anger – he called it pathological anger that took possession of him toward his friend. He grabbed a camping knife from his back pocket, snapped it open and lunged for the boy with all his power thrusting the knife toward his belly. The knife hit his friend’s big ROTC buckle with such force that the blade snapped and dropped to the ground. He stared at the broken blade and realized he had almost killed his friend – but for the buckle.
The story of Ben’s running home, sick and shocked, is worth reading in full. As he described it, “I hated myself, but I couldn’t help myself, and so I hated myself even more.” From the depths of his mind came his mother’s teaching about prayer. That is where he went. He describes the following hours and the struggle, as well as the result – “since that day, since those long hours wrestling with myself and crying to God for help, I have never had a problem with my temper.” He describes the miracle that took place and his realization and reinforcement that followed.
Does God give second chances to those who have failed Him?
Ben would tell you “yes”, most definitely.
And so would Rahab, the woman of ill repute in the Bible who had heard about the God of Israel. So when spies from Israel showed up at her house, she put her life on the line to hide them. And God granted her a second chance. When Jericho was completely destroyed, only Rahab and her family survived. (Joshua 2:1-22, 6:20-25) More amazing is that her name is in Matthew’s genealogy of Christ.
And so would Moses – just pick the top 2: when he was born, young Jewish boys were condemned to death by the order of the Pharaoh. (Exodus 1-3) Yet God spared Moses’ life and gave him the privilege of growing up in Pharaoh’s house. And when he killed an Egyptian taskmaster to save a Hebrew young man, the wrath of Pharaoh drove him from Egypt in fear for his life. Yet 40 years later, God gave Moses a second chance to return to Egypt and set His people free.
And so would Peter – ahh, my favorite “go to” stories in the Bible when I have to deal with my failures. Peter had proudly announced he was Jesus’ most reliable disciple (Matthew 26:33) and shortly thereafter he not only fled when the others did in the moment of crisis, but also totally denied he even knew Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75). And I can so relate – he failed so miserably that he went out into the night and wept bitterly (Luke 22:62). But Christ compassionately restored Peter sending him special instructions to let him know He was risen. Then Jesus took Peter aside and restored him by allowing him to reaffirm his love and commitment (John 21:15-17).
I so understand Ben Carson’s words – – when I “fail”, I am so disgusted with myself, I feel like I can’t help myself and so I am even angrier with myself.
So I love Henry Blackaby’s words on this subject. He says “God’s desire is to take you from where you are and bring you to where He wants you to be.” He reminds us that when Christ found His defeated followers hiding together in an upper room after His death on the cross, Jesus’ first word was “peace” (John 20:19). He finds us in despair and brings us peace.
As Blackaby says it, “Don’t give up if you have failed your Lord. Remember what happened to Peter [and Moses and Rahab and Ben]. God has not yet finished developing you as a disciple.”
I need that reminder of hope – and especially his bringing me to “peace”. May you be blessed to remember these stories when you need a second chance, and “peace”.
