MERCY SAID “NO”

What do you do when you’re tempted to give up on someone—or even yourself? Drawing from the story of Lot’s rescue and a powerful personal lesson learned through a dry ink pen, this blog explores the relentless nature of God's mercy. Discover why "lingering" doesn't have to mean "lost" and how the intercession of the faithful can move the hand of God in the most impossible situations.

C. Atkinson

3/21/20243 min read

A person holding a lit candle in their hand

“But Lot hesitated and lingered. The men took hold of his hand and the hand of his wife and the hands of his two daughters, because the LORD was merciful to him [for Abraham’s sake]; and they brought him out, and left him outside the city.” — Genesis 19:16-17 (AMP)

It is truly a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord! His grace and mercies are new every morning. As the prophet Jeremiah declared, even in the midst of affliction, we have hope because the Lord’s compassions never fail. They are fresh every single day; great is His faithfulness!

We are living in a fallen world, one that struggles with the weight of sin and is in desperate need of Jesus. While the pain we face was never God’s original plan for humanity, we thank the Lord that He provided the ultimate plan of salvation (Acts 2:38) to restore our relationship with Him.

Commissioned to Bind the Broken

At some point, we have all experienced heartache so intense it made us want to throw in the towel. But we must thank God that in those moments, His MERCY SAID “NO.” Jesus came to bind up the wounds of the brokenhearted and proclaim freedom to the captives (Isaiah 61:1). Just as Isaiah was commissioned, the Lord wants to anoint us to bring Good News to the afflicted. However, this power is tied to our obedience. Jesus told us, “If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments,” and in return, He provides the Helper—the Holy Spirit—to be with us forever (John 14:15-16).

The Danger of Lingering

Sometimes the choices we make are not in alignment with God’s will. In Genesis 19, we see Lot choosing a path that was pleasing to his eyes but spiritually perilous. The Bible warns us not to love the world or the things in it—the lust of the eyes, the cravings of the flesh, and the pride of life—because these things are passing away. Only the one who carries out the purposes of God lives forever (1 John 2:15-17).

Lot hesitated. He lingered in a place marked for destruction. But God, in His infinite mercy and because of the intercession of Abraham, didn't leave Lot to his own devices. The angels literally took him by the hand to pull him to safety.

The Miracle of the "Empty" Pen

Years ago, while working an overnight shift, I was journaling—sharing my prayers and goals with the Lord. Suddenly, my pen ran out of ink. As I searched for a replacement, I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Keep writing.”

I was confused. Why write with a pen that has no ink? Yet, I obeyed. After two sentences of invisible indentations on the paper, the pen suddenly started writing again.

The Lord then asked me a piercing question: “Do you see how quickly you were going to throw away the old pen for a new one?” He revealed to me that many times, we see people who have walked away from their faith—friends, family, or coworkers—and we think there is no hope left for them. We see a "dry" condition and assume it’s over. But the Lord says, “Where there is life, there is hope! Pray for my people! Don’t give up!” ### Hope for the Impossible If there is someone in your life who seems beyond reach, or a situation that feels impossible to fix, remember: All things are possible for the one who has faith. God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). No one is exempt from the Great Salvation offered through the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. Whether you are hesitating like Lot or feeling "empty" like that pen, God’s mercy is reaching out to take you by the hand.

Be strong and courageous! Do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.