We had Q-8 of spades. The flop brought three spades, including the King! We slow-played our flush, betting small and calling a raise. The turn was 10s, and we checked -- then called a bet. The river was 6s, putting a flush on the board.
"I'm all-in," our opponent said. Since only one card could beat us, we....
Well, we actually did pause a moment to think about this. What if he had that one card? Why else would he push? After that pause, an alternative explanation came to mind: he was making a big bluff to scare us off the pot.
"I'll do it. I'll call," we said. After sorting out the chips, we showed our Queen of spades -- and he showed an Ace of spades, to top us.
"Now we're even," our opponent said. In fact, this was the very same man we'd eliminated two weeks before with quads! Now he had knocked us out of this double-elimination event.
Have you made a big mistake in your life -- even bigger than the one we made? The good news is that God is willing to help you through a "loser's bracket" of sorts, to gain ultimate success.
For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again.... -- Proverbs 24:16
How can he rise? By repenting and turning back to God. Pray the sort of prayer King David did, after he made a big mistake:
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. -- Psalm 51:1-2
In some poker tournaments, you can "re-buy" your way back into the action. God's gift of forgiveness is free, but you must humble yourself and ask for it. Once you do, learn from your mistakes -- and try not to repeat them.
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