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Writer's pictureC. Atkinson

“MERCY SAID “NO”




Genesis 19:16-17 (AMP-V)

“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 [with his family].” 


For truly it’s a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord! His grace and mercies are new every morning.  Jeremiah declared, “This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him” (KJV). People of God, we are living in a fallen world. One that struggles with sin on a daily basis, and is in a desperate need for Jesus our Savior. The struggles we face as human beings, was not God’s original plan for humanity. Nevertheless, we thank the Lord Jesus who came with an ultimate one-time plan of Salvation (Acts 2:38) to restore our relationship with Him. 


At some point in our lives, we have experienced heartache and pain that made us feel like throwing in the towel. Yet we must thank God that His MERCY SAID “NO.” The Lord Jesus came with MERCIES and GRACE to restore the brokenhearted. The prophet Isaiah said, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the LORD has anointed and commissioned me to bring good news to the humble and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up [the wounds] of the brokenhearted, to proclaim release [from confinement and condemnation] to the [physical and spiritual] captives and freedom to prisoners (Isaiah 61:1, AMP).”  Just like the Prophet Isaiah, the Lord wants to anoint and commission us to bring the good news to the humble and afflicted. However, we need to ensure we are obeying the Lord’s commandments. Jesus said, “If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor-Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever (John 14:15-16, AMP).”


There are times, when the choices we make in our lives are not the Will of God, but God who is omniscient (all-knowing) knows the heart of everyman (John 2: 26). He desires for us to journey with Him while not leaning unto our own understanding, in all our ways to acknowledge Him and He will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). In the book of Genesis 19- we see the life of Lot and his family; Lot chose to go to a place that was pleasing unto his eyes (Genesis 13:10). However, the Bible tells us, “Do not love the world [of sin that opposes God and His precepts], nor the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world- the lust and sensual craving of flesh and the lust and longing of the eyes and the boastful pride of life [pretentious confidence in one’s resources or in the stability of earthly things]. These do not come from the Father, but are from the world. The world is passing away, and with it its lusts [ the shameful pursuits and ungodly longings]; but the one who does the will of God and carries out His purposes lives forever (1 John 2:15-17).”


I remember years ago, while working the overnight shift. I had some downtime so I used it to write in my journal. Journaling is something I love to do, it’s an opportunity to share my thoughts, prayers, and daily or future goals with the Lord. As I was writing, the ink in my pen ran out, and as I searched for a new pen, I heard the Holy Spirit say, keep writing.  I thought to myself, why would I do that, when there is no ink to put on the paper? However, I continued to obey the Spirit of God. After writing two sentences with no ink visible, the pen started to write. I couldn’t believe my eyes, but the Lord started to ask a question. Do you see how quick you were going to throw away the old, for a new pen? He said, many times there are those who have walked away from their faith, and we think in our human mind, there’s no hope for that person. That person might be a family member, friend, or a co-worker. With our eyes we see the condition of that person or even in our personal lives and it seems impossible to fix. But the Lord said, “Where there is life, there is hope! Pray for my people! Don’t give up!” Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy (Matthew 5:7).” The Lord was merciful and faithful unto Lot and His family. When Lot hesitated to leave, the angel took hold not only of his hand, but his wife and daughters because of His mercy and the sake of Abraham. Abraham, being a friend of God, knew that God was going to destroy the place his family was living. Abraham sought hope through His Lord and Savior. 


If there is someone in your life that you think there is no hope for. If there has been a difficult situation that seems impossible to fix. Well, there’s good news! All things are possible for the one who has faith and believe (Mark 9:23). The Lord desires all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). I pray that our hearts will desire this for ourselves and the same for every soul! For no one is exempt from this Great Salvation offered through the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for us! 


Please take the time to read the scriptures throughout.


Joshua 1:9 AMP  “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the LORD you God is with you wherever you go.”




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