Pastor Stephen Dedman

Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it.
‭‭Jonah‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬

The story of Jonah is often remembered for the great fish that swallowed him, but its greatest lesson is about God’s mercy. In Jonah 3:10, we see that when the people of Nineveh repented, God relented. He saw their sincerity, their turning away from sin, and He withheld the judgment He had planned. This moment reveals a fundamental truth about God: He is not eager to destroy but delights in showing mercy to those who turn to Him.

Nineveh was a wicked city, deserving of destruction. Yet, when they heard Jonah’s warning, they responded with humility, fasting, and repentance. Their actions demonstrated a true change of heart, and God responded with grace. This is the same God we serve today. No matter how far we have strayed, when we turn back to Him with sincere repentance, He is faithful to forgive and restore.

Sometimes, we struggle to believe that God will forgive us. Guilt and shame try to convince us that we’ve gone too far. But Jonah 3:10 reminds us that God sees our repentance. He does not take pleasure in punishing us but desires that we walk in His grace and transformation.

If you’ve been holding onto sin or feeling distant from God, know that He is ready to forgive the moment you turn to Him. His mercy is greater than your mistakes, and His love is deeper than your failures.

Pray

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your great mercy. I acknowledge my need for You and ask for Your forgiveness. Help me to turn away from anything that separates me from You. Thank You for Your patience, love, and grace. Teach me to walk in obedience and trust in Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

And he looked up and said, “I see men like trees, walking.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭8‬:‭24‬

In Mark 8, we find Jesus healing a blind man in an unusual way. Instead of instantly restoring his sight, Jesus does it in stages. First, the man’s vision is partially restored and he can see, but not clearly. Only after Jesus touches him again does he see everything plainly.

This passage is a powerful reminder that spiritual clarity often comes in stages. Many times, when we come to Christ, we don’t immediately grasp everything about Him, His Word, or His will for our lives. At first, we might only see “men like trees, walking”, a blurry understanding of God’s purpose. But as we continue seeking Him, spending time in His presence, and allowing His Word to transform us, our spiritual vision becomes clearer.

Are there areas in your life where you are struggling to see God’s plan? Do you feel like your understanding of His Word or His direction is unclear? Just know that Jesus is still at work in you. Just as He completed the blind man’s healing, He will complete His work in your life. Keep looking up. Keep trusting Him. And in His perfect time, you will see clearly.

Pray

Lord, I thank You that You are always working in my life. Even when I don’t fully understand or see things clearly, I trust that You are leading me step by step. Open my eyes, Lord, that I may see You more clearly and walk in the fullness of Your truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.

So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬

In life, we often focus on our efforts, what we can do, how much we can accomplish, and the results we expect. Whether in ministry, work, relationships, or personal growth, we may feel responsible for making things happen. But Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 3:7 that while we may plant seeds and water them, it is ultimately God who brings the increase.

Paul was addressing the Corinthians, who were dividing themselves by following different leaders—some claimed to follow Paul, others Apollos. But Paul made it clear that neither he nor Apollos was responsible for spiritual growth; they were merely servants. The true power belongs to God. This principle applies to us today as we are called to be faithful in planting and watering, but the results are in God’s hands.

Think about a farmer. He can till the soil, plant the seeds, and water the crops, but he cannot force them to grow. Growth is a divine process. In the same way, we can share the Gospel, disciple others, work hard in our careers, and pray for our loved ones, but we must trust God with the outcome.

This truth should bring us peace. It relieves the burden of trying to control everything. Our job is obedience; God’s job is the increase. If you’ve been discouraged because you don’t see immediate results, remember that God is at work in ways you cannot see. Your faithfulness is never in vain.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the reminder that the increase comes from You. Help me to be faithful in planting and watering, but to trust You with the results. Strengthen my faith to believe that You are working, even when I don’t see it. Let me rest in Your power and not my own. In Jesus’ name, amen.