Let us look at two stories from the Bible. Both describe how pride destroys. The first is told by Jesus Christ, and it is about ?a certain rich man?. (Luke 12:16-20). It is told that the land of this rich man yielded a good harvest. But what did he do thereafter? He built new houses to store his riches, and said to himself: ? Hey, I've got it made. Now I'm just gonna relax, enjoy myself and generally take things easy forever?. He might have shouted it or whispered it; but unfortunately for him God heard what he said. And that very night, for his ingratitude he lost all he thought he had gained including his life.

King Nebuchadnezzar was luckier. The story showed that his sins were similar. He mounted the rooftop of the royal palace and there trumpeted his own greatness: ?Hey everybody; look at the great and wonderful city which I built all by myself. Gee, aint I smart??. God replied by turning him mad, and he spent years mingling with animals. But God's mercy also permitted him to regain his lost virtues. At the end of his season for madness his heart repented, found greatness in God again; and his lips found the right words to say to the only great one at last: (Daniel 4: 34-35)

And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up my eyes unto heaven, and my understanding returned to me, and I blessed the most High , and I praised and honoured him that lives for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation. And all inhabitants of the earth are as nothing : and he does according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hands or say to him, what are you doing ?

Many of us find ourselves in disturbing social circumstances because of our errors and utterances. Have you never oppressed and spited the poor when things were going great for you? (Prov 21 :13-20) Have you never insulted those that are not as fortunate as you because of their perceived incompetence? Have you never exalted yourself beyond your human abilities? (1Pet1:24). Have you never insulted God with your arrogance? Most often we needn't look very far for the cause of our problems.

But be comforted, whatever ill fortune you may have befallen you, it is only for a season. On the day that you realise that it is only God that can restore you, the season of madness comes to an end. You will similarly regain your senses and be on the way to your rightful position. The season ends when you completely accept the sovereignty of God, and begin to thank Him for the privilege of a second chance at a life that glorifies Him. The first step to wisdom is the fear of the Lord, and knowledge of the Most Holy One is understanding.

Don't despair; don't give up. Lift up your voice everyday and bless God for the second chance