The Third One

Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, three-time loser Alexis Serna agonizes over his failure to perform his only duty in the OSU vs LSU game this weekend. It doesn't matter that the handsome young football player walked into the stadium as an admired and even envied athlete. It doesn't matter that he had spent hours on the field practicing that same kick that in many games would make the difference between winning and losing. It doesn't matter that he had already missed two field goals in the game. It was do or die time, and they died. It was the third one ... the one that would have tied up the game and given OSU a chance to win the game. It was the third one that would have Mr. Serna writhing on the ground pulling up grass in his self-pity and defeat. It was the third one that the coach will talk to him about, having reached an unacceptable level of performance. It was the third one that the other kids at OSU will be talking about, perhaps some even being cruel to him, his team mates having a hard time forgiving. Even if he does well the rest of the season ... he is still going to be the kicker who missed three field goals in the game ... the third one costing them the game. It was the third one that caused Peter to weep. After the first two he could have rallied and pulled it all together, but he just kept on going. It was as if he were on a roller coaster ride that, once started, must reach its final end. There was no hiding this failure, as it played out in the public arena. It would take the Lord himself to get him over this disappointment and guilt. And he would push Peter to confess the third time. In the agony over your repeated failures, focus on the only thing that will bring about healing. Love Jesus, serve His people. We do not have the capability to go back and relive a moment. Alexis Serna wishes he could have called out 'mulligan!' and been able to kick again ... but such was not a possibility. You cannot face the battles of your past ... you only have today. And Jesus is the only One who can give you a new life ... a new start ... a new goal ... another kick ... and the power to turn your failures into victories. As Robert Schullar says, He can turn your scars into stars.