Finishing the Set

Finishing the Set

You do not stay angry for ever but delight to show mercy (V.18).

Micah 7:14-20

Reading

I like going to the gym. Even though the work out is tough, I feel a lot better in myself once I’m done! But I have to listen to my gym instructor and do what she tells me. I wouldn’t choose to do most of the exercises myself! To encourage me to press on through challenging and sometimes painful routines, the instructor will count backward, telling me how many repetitions are left before I can stop. Knowing that I can rest soon helps me push through and finish the set.

Micah spoke to Israel during a difficult and painful time in their history. God told him to challenge their selfish ways (6:11) and worship of fake gods (1:7). Micah said they would be disciplined by God because of how they had been living. But he also encouraged them that God does “not stay angry for ever but delight[s] to show mercy” (7:18).

God often allows us to go through the painful results of our sin. Sometimes He saves us from them; but not always. But we can be sure that, because we trust Jesus, we will never have to face the ultimate end of sin: God’s anger and a place in hell. Jesus’ death on the cross has taken that punishment for us so we don’t have to face it, no matter what we do have to go through in this life.

When we get knocked down by the results of our choices, we can be encouraged to ‘finish the set’—to keep going and learn from our mistakes— by remembering that His mercy will last forever.

To Pray About…

Thank You, Jesus, for saving me from judgement and hell. Help me to keep going when life is painful, knowing that You have a place ready for me in Your home.

GOD’S MERCY LASTS FOREVER

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries