Life has a way of ambushing us when we least expect it. We’ve all experienced this phenomenon at some time, usually when we’re trying to succeed at something precious and meaningful. Perhaps it was a failed marriage, a broken relationship, or a job loss. When we’re left reeling and wondering what happens next, we can take comfort in knowing that God is the God of second chances.

It’s natural for people to feel like a failure when they’re blindsided by the unexpected, but God operates in the supernatural. When we take our hurts and frustrations to Him, He’s well able to transform what’s painful into something beautiful. When we trust Him, He turns failure into success as only He can. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Though this promise is made to every Believer, only those who develop a real relationship with God will recognize His hand in its manifestation. It’s in this relationship that we learn to love and trust Him. When life is painful, or we suffer the consequences of our mistakes, He’ll never abandon us. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV). When we take a tumble, God is the loving, doting parent Who picks us up, dusts us off, embraces us, and sets us back on our feet.

Throughout the Bible, we see God giving the people He loves a second chance. Moses the murderer, King David the adulterer, Saul the hater of Christians, the woman caught in adultery, all got a second chance at life. The common denominator among these people is that they believed what God said He would do in their lives. “Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths” (Proverbs 3:5, 6, AMP). When God turns things around and uses people who make serious mistakes, ruined lives supernaturally transform into beautiful, powerful ones.

It’s never too late for God to pull us out of a bad situation. Possibly the most powerful example of this is the second chance the dying man on the cross received when he turned and humbled himself before Jesus. “And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:42, 43). It doesn’t matter whether we’ve made only one major wrong turn, or a series of mistakes that left our lives in shambles. Affirmation from God brings hope back into anything that seems doomed.

What God offers us not only changes our lives now, but also opens doors to glorious new lives, later. He’s standing by, waiting to give us another chance. Will you ignore Him, or ask Him for help?