IT’S NOT TOO LATE
Every time I read the story of Jonah, I’m struck by how much it says about second chances—and how it’s never too late to turn things around. God sent Jonah to Nineveh, a city that had pretty much lost its moral compass. At first, Jonah wanted nothing to do with it. He ran the other way, maybe because he thought Nineveh was past saving, or maybe because he just didn’t want the hassle.
But God didn’t give up on Jonah, or on Nineveh. When Jonah finally showed up and spoke God’s warning, something incredible happened: the people actually listened. They changed their ways, and God showed them mercy instead of judgment. It’s a reminder that God’s first instinct isn’t to punish, but to forgive. The Bible puts it this way in 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV): “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Sometimes I look at America and wonder if we’re more like Nineveh than we want to admit. We say “In God we trust,” but most days, it feels like we’re trusting in everything but Him. We chase our own comfort, get distracted, and ignore what God wants for us. The story of Jonah reminds me that even when a whole nation is heading in the wrong direction, it’s not too late to change course.
God gave Nineveh a chance to avoid judgment—and He’ll do the same for us. His patience isn’t a sign that He doesn’t care about what’s going wrong. It’s a sign that He cares enough to give us time to come back. Whether it’s a nation or just one person, God’s mercy is always waiting. The door to repentance is still open. It’s not too late.
CLOSING THOUGHT
If the story of Jonah tells us anything, it’s that God’s patience runs deeper than our mistakes. No matter how far we’ve wandered, as individuals or as a nation, we’re never beyond the reach of His mercy. There’s still time to turn things around, to listen, and to trust Him again. It’s not too late to seek forgiveness and choose a different path.
PRAYER
God, thank You for Your patience and mercy. Forgive us for the ways we’ve ignored your voice and gone our own way. Help us, both as individuals and as a nation, to turn back to you with open hearts. Give us the courage to change, the humility to repent, and the faith to trust you in all things. Remind us that it’s never too late with you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”