In continuing our study of the book of Jonah, we see that in Chapter Three Jonah does what God sent him to do. When God gave Jonah this second chance (shenit), He told Jonah to go immediately (quwm, yalak) and speak to the Ninevites, letting them know that they would be destroyed or changed in forty days (hapak).
The Ninevites were people that Jonah despised because of their ruthlessness and evilness. Jonah, however lets go of his prejudices (chalal bow) and preaches to the city of Ninevah. The whole city repents and God spares them.
When has God given you a second chance? We can all identify with the ongoing battle with indwelling sin that Paul speaks of in Romans 7:15-17. Repentance means to turn from sin; to change one’s mind and actions so that they agree with God. Are their areas in your life where God is seeking repentance and yet we are holding onto that sin? What do we need to let go of, to unloosen? What has God shown you that you need to do, but you haven’t yet done? What will you do to obey God immediately?
Sin is defeated when we agree with God concerning it and accept its cure – Jesus! The New Testament encourages us to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. So, acknowledge the sin(s), thank God for His forgiveness, and trust Christ to empower you and live through you.