"Re-Tests"

 

“Re-Tests”

 

One of my high school math teachers had a policy that if we did poorly on a test we could take a “re-test” on the same material but with a 10% reduction in our grade. I once served on a board with a pastor who was also an attorney who represented many underprivileged clients who took the bar exam repeatedly until he was successful on his seventh try. Ditto a lady I knew years ago who passed her driver’s test on her seventh attempt. And a physician might order lab work re-tested if the results are unexpected or inconclusive. So there’s hope beyond an initial shortcoming, failure or uncertainty.

Paul Pack, our Youth Pastor in Manchester, used to say God was “The God of Second Chances”. (See “Second Chances” for more on this topic.) Many have bought into the satanic lie that if one fails God once He wants nothing more to do with such a person. But Jesus’ friend reminds us, “If we confess our sins, he (i.e. God) is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). “Confess” is in the Greek present tense which suggests a repeated action. So God’s forgiveness and restoration is continuously available as we acknowledge our shortcomings to Him. However, there’s a caveat: “People who cover their sins will not prosper. But if they confess and forsake them, they will receive mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13, NLT, emphasis added). So God expects a change in direction (i.e. repentance) when we ask Him to forgive us.

Scripture gives several examples of those who failed a first test but passed a re-test with flying colors:

*Peter denied Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69-75) but passed the re-test by being God’s messenger to bring about the church’s birth (Acts 2:37-41).

*Mark bailed when the going got rough on Paul’s and Barnabas’ first mission (Acts 13:13) but later Paul commended his ministry (2 Timothy 4:11).

*Abraham’s faith failed twice when out of fear he referred to his wife Sarah as his sister (Genesis 12:10-20; 20:1-18) but he trusted God when He told him to offer Isaac (Genesis 22:1-19).

Our re-tests may not be as momentous as those cited above but God can use us in new and greater ways after we’ve blown it. The psalmist reminds us, “…There’s forgiveness with (God), that (he) may be reverently feared and worshiped.” (Psalm 130:4, Amplified). Trust Him to keep His word.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan