It Happened.
Since that fateful Tuesday night in December 
just about 1 month ago, I have been watching, praying and waiting for an opportunity to use the $50 bill lurking in my wallet. It has been tempting me to spend it on any manner of things: allowance, gas, groceries, dinner out, clothes, gifts.
But I kept it there. Knowing it had a purpose of its own.
Not mine.
I’ve been watching. The homeless people on the side of the road at the bottom of the exit ramp. The cars at that haunting intersection (will they end up there again?) I pass by countless times in a week. The people I see at stores, malls, restaurants. But no sign of the “right” one.
I’ve been praying. God will you give me another chance to do the right thing? Will you offer me an opportunity to follow your call, even if it’s hard? And please, oh please, will you be clear about WHO is the EXACT RIGHT person to receive this Fated Fifty?
I’ve been waiting. Christmas came and went. There were times I was close to doling out my Big Bill, but there was no confirmation. I was careful not to force something of my design. I waited (not always patiently) for God’s plan – and my Second Chance.
I was trusting he’d give me one.
And then it happened. In a hurry after leaving the grocery store, I was bee-lining for my car. Just 2 stalls away sat a small 2-door car, hood up, owner standing over it, pondering. He looked up and I asked, “Do you need any help?”
He kindly replied, “Someone’s on their way, thanks. It’s just the clutch won’t work and I thought the brake fluid I bought would help it. Usually does, you know.”
“Oh,” I replied, “I just thought maybe you needed a jump.”
As I loaded my groceries, I could see his agitated wife sitting in the front passenger seat of the car, cell phone to her ear. (Does any of this sound familiar?) Pretty soon, my new friend opened up the car door to speak to her. All I heard was, “She was just asking if I wanted help.”
Next thing I know my under-the-hood-friend was walking toward me. “Actually, there is something you could do to help. Could you drive my wife to work across the street?”
“Sure!” I answered enthusiastically.
Meanwhile, Girl-who-missed-God’s-opportunity is thinking “Fifty Dollars, Fifty Dollars, Fifty Dollars.” Here’s my Second chance to give away the crisp Ulysses S. Grant that’s been holed up in my wallet for 29 days now. (but who’s counting?)
As I returned my shopping cart, I prayed quickly for discernment and decided to ask Wife’s permission to give her Husband The Money to help with the car repair.
I returned to the car, asked the question and handed over that Gorgeous Grant faster than you can say Fifty. I’d been waiting a month for this chance after all.
They were grateful. I said, “God bless you, I hope it helps a little.”
In the brief drive with Grateful Wife I learned she was looking for better work, better pay. I learned about 9 year old nephew just diagnosed with Cancer. When I told her I was a Christian speaker, she brightened and asked me to pray for her and her family.
Car idling, heads bowed in prayer, we presented before the Lord: Wife and Husband, Broken Car, New Job, Nephew with Cancer. It was short and sweet; we said goodbye.
As she hustled into work, I sat in my car, overwhelmed by God’s grace. Not only did I get my Second Chance, He delivered better than I could have ever contrived myself.
My wallet is now empty.
But my heart is FULL.
To God be the glory.
Has God given you a Second Chance? We’d love to hear about it.