I wasn’t a very good student when I was at university. I did everything but study. I managed restaurants, was a bus driver for Intercape, and even had my own irrigation business, Sproeikor. 

The net effect of all this was that I crammed my three-year BA degree into five years. At least it went better with my second degree. I had three smart friends who dragged me along and at least I was able to finish in time. 

But university management didn’t think it was funny at all. By the end of my third year – historically, not academically – they were fed up and their patience exhausted. 

I received a letter informing me that in their opinion it seemed that I would not be able to complete my degree successfully and, therefore, I should just pack up and go. Goodness, I got such a fright, because I had a calling from God to work full-time for Him. 

A man at the Student Guidance Centre helped me draw up a beautiful letter. I always joke and say we were both in tears by the end of it. Fortunately, it struck a chord with management, and they gave me one more chance. Just one. 

I started the next year with almost all my second and third-year subjects still to be completed. Miraculously, I got through everything, except one small subject. The lecturer did not want to give me a predicate to write the exam. 

I went to see him and asked nicely for another chance. But his patience had run out: he said he couldn’t bring himself to let me write because I hadn’t been in his class once that year. Point taken. 

Fortunately, management overlooked that small foot fault and allowed me to get my degree so I could get admission for my next degree. I was able to finish the long winding road of my education and get to God’s calling for my life. 

Management was able to persuade themselves to give me one, no, two chances. The lecturer had taken a stand and getting a chance with him was like finding cookies in an orphanage. 

If God was like that lecturer, I would’ve been in trouble for sure. Even if God was like the university management, I would’ve been long gone. But, thank goodness, God is not like that.  

15Interpret our Master’s patient restraint for what it is: salvation. 

God postpones Jesus’ coming to earth, because He is giving people who have not yet repented a chance. God is a God of many chances. His compassion for people does not run out. Even less does his patience run out. 

Let us, therefore, live in gratitude within God’s will and make sure that we do not take unnecessary chances. Let’s live in such a way that Jesus’ coming comes earlier. 

Scripture
2 Peter 3:14-16 

Reflection
How many chances have you received from God?
Are you living your gratitude?
Who do you have to point to God’s side? 

Prayer
Father, thank You for giving me so many opportunities. Help me to live in such a way that my life will lead others to You. Amen.