In Life There Are No Make-Up Exams. Choose Carefully.
Those words hung on a poster in an English class today. Each time my eyes scanned the poster, my mind remained focused. They circled my thought process like an athlete running a three mile relay on a dirt track. At each circle “no make-up exams,” no, none, nada. It seems so final, and I did not want to believe that. What I began to fear is all the students that read those words every day may begin to believe that applies to everything in life?
Those words may be true to an extent. A teacher may say upon giving an exam, “it will be on this day, and only this day.” You may be faced with these words when you face the loss of a loved one. On earth death is final, there is no second chance with the person that has passed. But, for those that know Jesus and have accepted him into their life, and believe that He is the Son of God, death is not even final. In other situations, I believe that there are, at times, make-up exams, and second chances.
The times that there IS a make-up exam, a do-over, a second chance, or another opportunity, will occur with Jesus:
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Cor. 5:17 NLT
Yes, there are choices we make, and I’ve made my share of them which caused irreversible results. As I sat in class I tried to make up a list of irreversible things. Outside of death I could not come up with a lot, because each time Jesus would gently remind me of His make-up exam.
For example:
Giving a child up for adoption – nope, not final. A dear friend of mine gave her baby up for adoption when she was born, and 18 years later they reunited. Today they are wonderful friends, and involved in each other’s lives!
Broken Relationships – nope, not final. Another dear friend of mine has had her relationship restored with her son and his family! She would be the first to tell you. This is definitely a make-up exam!
Wayward Child – nope, not final. In Luke 11: 15-32 Jesus tells the story of a wayward child that returns home.
Blindness – nope, not final. In John 9: 1-11 Jesus heals the blind man.
Mental Illness – nope, not final. In Luke 9: 37-43 Jesus heals a boy that is troubled.
Imprisonment – nope, not final. One of my good friends operates a men’s prison ministry, he can tell you many stories of several inmates that lead bible studies within the cement walls. They live within the walls with a new found freedom!
In life there are many make-up exams, but they all occur with Jesus. He is the giver of the make-up exams;
“Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it.” Mt. 19:26b MSG
If you need a make-up exam, and you do not know Jesus, stop where you are. Ask Him to forgive your sins, and come into your heart. At this point your make-up exam begins.
“We beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it. For God says, ‘At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.’ Indeed, the ‘right time’ is now. Today is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:1-2 NLT
With Christ you get a second chance.
©Gentle Whisper Ministries 2015, re-post of When You Get a Do Over 2/2017 edited
*pictures by thesedaysofmine,
