Scirpture: Jonah 3:10
Contributor: ELDER ROBERT LEWIS
SURRENDER – THE GATEWAY TO MERCY
When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.
Jonah 3:10 NIV
Lent invites us to examine our hearts and ask:
Where have we resisted God’s call?
What habits, attitudes or patterns must wesurrender?
What would true repentance look like in our lives?
These questions involve deep thought and sincere actions. During Lent, we give ourselves time to consider ways we’ve fallen short in our relationships with God and steps we need to take to deepen our connection with the Lord.
We admit that we often miss the mark, but the story of Nineveh assures us that no situation is beyond God’s Mercy. When God saw that the people of Nineveh turned from their evil ways, He relented. Judgment gave way to grace.
God is not eager to punish us particularly when we genuinely repent. God is always eager to restore. Repentance moves the heart of God because repentance reflects a heart that has surrendered.
Let us pray:
Dear Lord, Thank You for being the God of second chances. Just as You called Jonah again, call us again into obedience. Give us the humility to surrender the areas of our lives that are not aligned with Your will. Help us to turn away from what harms our relationships with You and with others. Create in us a repentant heart and remind us that Your mercy is greater than our failures. In this Lenten season, teach us to walk in surrender, knowing that our giving up leads to renewal and restoration. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
SUBMITTED BY ELDER ROBERT LEWIS
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