Weekly Family Devotional
The God Of The Second Chance
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Read Together
Jonah 1:17 (ESV)
And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.
Talk About It
God asked Jonah to warn the people of Nineveh, but Jonah didn’t want to go, so he ran away! He got on a boat to escape, but God sent a storm. Jonah knew the storm was because he was running from God. After he was tossed into the sea, God sent a huge fish to swallow Jonah—giving him another chance!
While inside the big fish, Jonah had time to think and pray. Even when he tried to run, God’s love never left him. When we hide from what God wants us to do, He patiently waits for us and gives us second chances to turn back and obey. God’s love is so great—He wants everyone to know it, including us, even when we’ve tried to go our own way.
For Parents to Explain
Dear God, thank You for never giving up on us. Help us to obey You, even when it’s hard. Thank You for always giving us a second chance. Amen.
Family Activities
Second Chance Jar
- Place a jar in your home labeled “Second Chances.”
- If someone needs a second chance (like after forgetting a chore), write it on a slip and drop it in the jar.
- Talk together about how God gives second chances and how you can, too.
- Celebrate second chances together at the end of the week!
Jonah and the Big Fish
- Use a blanket or box to make a pretend “big fish” to crawl inside.
- Take turns being Jonah; while inside, share something you want God to help you with.
- Come out and thank God for giving you another chance!
- Talk about how it feels to know God is always near and merciful.
Family Prayer
Let’s each ask God to show us one thing we might be running from, and pray for courage to obey Him.