When God says, “Try That Road Again”

Well, come clatterin’ on up them steps to this ol’ front porch, friend, and set yourself down before that screen door slaps you clear into next Tuesday. I’m plum tickled you stopped by here. Have you ever messed somethin’ up so thoroughly that you plum figured God must’ve crossed your name off His list? Mercy, we can git ourselves turned around faster than an ol’ catfish floppin’ loose in a wash tub.

Jonah sho’nuff knew somethin’ about wrong turns. God said, “Nineveh.” Jonah practically said, “Anywhere but there,” and he plum headed the other direction. After a storm, a great big ol’ fish, and one mighty uncomfortable prayer closet, Jonah repented.

Then, came some of the sweetest words in Scripture: “The word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time” (Jonah 3:1).

The second time.

God didn’t pretend Jonah hadn’t failed. He simply refused to let Jonah’s failure have the final word.

First John 1:9 reminds us that “when we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us.” Forgiveness don’t merely wipe yesterday’s mud off our boots. Grace can downright put our feet back on the road.

And Joel 2:13 says, “Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful.” Friend, repentance ain’t God hollerin’ at us from the other side of a locked gate. It’s God swingin’ that gate open and sayin’, “Come on back.”

Maybe you’ve disobeyed, wandered, or plum made a mess of things. Psalm 86:5 says God is “ready to forgive.” Not reluctant. Ready.

Father, thank You for mercy that meets me after I’ve wandered. Give me courage to confess my sin, turn around, and obey You when You call again. Help me believe that Your grace is greater than my failure and use my restored life for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Alright now, friend, git on down the road before that big ol’ blue heron over yonder starts fishin’ in somebody else’s pond. An ol’ feral hog can tear up a garden overnight, but the farmer can still plant again. A wrong turn don’t mean the journey is over. When God gives you another opportunity, don’t sit there like a lil’ ol’ coyote studyin’ a closed chicken coop. Git up, turn around, and go where He told you to go.

With joy,

Gwen