GOD OF THE SECOND CHANCE

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Today’s Reading:

Jonah 3:1–10 (KJV)

“And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying, Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days’ journey. And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.”

(Jonah 3:1-10 KJV)

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Though Jonah deliberately disobeyed God the first time (1:3), he was given another chance to answer God’s call to Nineveh. This shows that God gives a second chance for service. Jonah’s initial rejection of God’s instruction did not disqualify or excuse him from subsequent service. He later entered Nineveh and proclaimed God’s warning loudly. Because the Assyrians were a hated, barbaric race, Jonah may have thought they would not heed God’s warning and so experience God’s judgment. Though Jonah had expected destruction like in Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:25; Lam. 4:6; Amos 4:11), God announced a turnaround for Nineveh. Jonah’s prophetic word was excellently fulfilled, but in a completely different way than he expected. The pagan people of Nineveh believed (believe here in Hebrews means to stand firm, trust) the message from God and were saved from destruction (v. 5). Amen is used most of the time to conclude a prayer by affirming, ‘so be it’. The Ninevites demonstrated their belief in the God of Heaven by humbling themselves before Him and fasting. 

There are times in life when we disobey, wander, or make mistakes that seem beyond repair. Like Jonah, we may have turned our backs on God’s instructions, run in the opposite direction, or allowed fear, pride, or comfort to dictate our decisions. Yet in His mercy, God calls us again. “And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time.” What a beautiful phrase! It tells of a God who does not discard us because of failure. A God who does not delete our destiny because of our delay. A God who gives second chances. Jonah had failed miserably. He ran from God’s command, boarded a ship to Tarshish, and brought trouble on himself and everyone around him. But God, in His mercy, did not destroy him. Instead, He orchestrated a storm to arrest him, a great fish to preserve him, and a second word to restore him. When Jonah cried out from the belly of the fish, God heard him. It was not a comfortable place, but it was a place of correction and redirection. The same God who disciplined Jonah also delivered him. Then He spoke again—the same assignment, the same message, the same purpose—but this time, Jonah obeyed. This story is not just about Jonah; it is about us. We all have our “Ninevehs”—the assignments God has called us to fulfil, the people we are meant to reach out to, the purpose we are meant to fulfil. Many times, like Jonah, we resist because of fear, anger, or misunderstanding. But the mercy of God keeps calling.

God’s patience is not permission to continue in rebellion, but an opportunity to repent and return to Him. Jonah’s disobedience caused a delay, but not disqualification. His purpose was preserved in mercy. God’s second chance not only restores lost opportunity; it also refines our hearts to walk in humility. When Jonah finally went to Nineveh, his message carried weight. The people believed God, repented, and were spared destruction. Imagine if Jonah had continued to run—an entire city might have perished. Your obedience is bigger than you. When God gives you another chance, it’s not just for your restoration—it’s for the salvation and blessing of others connected to your calling. As a result of the genuine repentance of the people of Nineveh, God chose to spare them from divine punishment. When we change our wills, God wills a change. When we choose to repent, God may choose to relent. God’s second chances come in many forms—a new job after failure, a fresh relationship after heartbreak, renewed strength after sickness, or another opportunity to serve Him faithfully. The truth is, as long as you have breath, you have another chance. “His mercies are new every morning.” (Lamentations 3:22–23)

Maybe you have been in the belly of regret, surrounded by the consequences of your decisions. God is saying, “Arise, go again.” Your mistake is not your ending; it’s a turning point. Jonah’s greatest testimony was not that he was swallowed by a fish, but that he was restored by grace. When God gives you another chance, do not take it lightly. Obey quickly. Serve humbly. Live purposefully. Because every second chance is a gift of mercy wrapped in love. Like Jonah, your journey may have taken detours, but the God of second chances is still calling your name. Get up, dust yourself off, and go again. He is not done with you yet.

OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE

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To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”

 If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.

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Prayer:

1. From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for Your help. Hear my call, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer.

2. Lord, I thank You because You are the God of the second chance. Even when I failed You, You did not abandon me. Thank You for Your mercy that reached me in my lowest moments.

3. Father, forgive me for the times I ran away from Your will. Forgive me for disobedience, pride, fear, and unbelief. Cleanse me with the blood of Jesus and give me a humble heart that yields to Your voice.

4. Lord, speak to me again. Let Your word come to me a second time. Revive every calling, gift, and vision that I have neglected. Restore the fire of service and obedience in me.

5. Holy Spirit, where I have missed the path, lead me back to my divine assignment. Let every wrong step turn into a testimony of grace.

6. Lord, grant me the courage and discipline to obey You promptly. Let me not delay my destiny or the salvation of others because of fear or doubt.

7. Lord, just as You showed mercy to Jonah and to Nineveh, show mercy to our land. Forgive our sins as individuals, families, and as a nation. Turn our hearts back to You.

8. Father, let my new beginning be better than my past. Let my obedience bring light, transformation, and blessing to others.

9. I declare that I am not a failure. I am a vessel of mercy. God’s grace is rewriting my story. I will arise, I will go, I will obey, and I will fulfil my divine purpose.

10. Thank You, Father, because You have not given up on me. Thank You for the second, third, and countless chances that Your love provides. I receive them with gratitude and humility.