Tchoukball and Second Chances

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By Ian Gustafson, 19, Michigan USA

If you’ve never heard of tchoukball before, you might find that it sounds a bit odd. When watching or playing the game for the first time, your attention might be drawn towards the trampoline-like goals or the colorful ball. You might also be completely lost like me. But as the game progresses, you will find yourself caught up in the whirlwind of a fast-paced sport, which is gaining popularity around the world. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean you will be good at your first game. If you’re lucky, like me, your fellow tchoukball players will be understanding and help you learn the game. They will give you many second chances.

Giving second chances often seems to go against our better judgment—our human judgment to be more precise. When we’re hurt or disappointed by someone, our initial reaction is to become embitter. Even if they’re repentant, it takes time and effort to forgive someone and rebuild the relationship. Not to mention there’s always the risk of being disappointed again.

In Acts 3:17-20 Peter speaks out against those who called for Jesus’ crucifixion. He then instructs them to ask God to wipe out their sins. “‘Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.” (niv)

By contrasting the hate displayed by everyone who demanded Jesus’ crucifixion with Jesus’ willingness to forgive them, Peter drew a perfect picture of God’s love. The fact that God is willing to forgive us for our trespasses and maintain a relationship with us, often by pleading with us to repent, is mind-boggling. That would be like an expert tchoukball player insisting that I stay on his team even though I am a liability to the team.

Giving second chances is a tricky thing. When we give second chances there is often a chance of being hurt or disappointed again. The same is true for God and knowing this, only goes to show how awesome He really is. Let’s make the most of the second chances that God gives us!

As shadows of night give way to dawn’s light,
God opens the door to a brand-new day;
And with it come mercies from His gracious hand
For giving new mercies is always His way. —D. De Haan