Do you need a second chance? As a school teacher, I know the importance of giving second chances. Students who struggle with particular concepts may need the opportunity to remediate a test. Others who break the rules need a second chance to modify their behavior. People often make mistakes and later realize the error of their ways. God knew this to be true, which is why He has given all of us a second chance.

           If anyone ever needed a second chance, it was Jonah. God had called him to minister to the Ninevites. Instead of obeying the word of the Lord, he had the brilliant idea to run away from God. He headed to the port of Tarshish instead of Nineveh (Jonah 1:3). Someone should have told him his sojourn away from God would not be successful. Once the call of God is placed on your life, God will not give up on you.

           God sent a horrific storm upon the vessel, “such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up” (Jonah 1:4). The crew members began to call out to their own gods. They were fearful for their lives. But the one true God was trying to get the attention of a certain individual named Jonah.

           Jonah told the crew he was running away from God, even before they cast lots to determine who was responsible for this life-threatening situation. The lot fell on Jonah, so they asked him what they could do to stop the fierce storm. “’Pick me up and throw me into the sea,’ he replied, ‘and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you’” (Jonah 1:12).

           Not wanting God to be angry with them for throwing a man overboard, they tried unsuccessfully to get back to shore. Yet they could not make any progress, “for the sea grew even wilder than before. Then they cried out to the Lord, ‘Please, Lord, do not let us die for taking this man’s life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, Lord, have done as you pleased.’ Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm” (Jonah 13-15).

           What was Jonah thinking as he was cast over the side of the ship? Did he truly believe that this would be the end? Had he given up on any possibility of the Lord saving him, considering his rebellious behavior? Could he even muster up the courage to call on the name above all names to rescue him from these dire circumstances?

           Even though Jonah may have given up, or even felt relieved to be freed of his commission to go to Nineveh, God had other plans. According to Jonah 1:17, “the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.” God provided a second chance for Jonah, albeit a nonconventional haven from the treacherous sea.

           What does a person do in the belly of an enormous fish? Well, you certainly could not phone a friend or watch the local news! And could you imagine what the aroma must have been like in this environment? So Jonah did the one thing he knew was best. He prayed. Earnestly, he cried out to God in his distress. Jonah prayed, “‘What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, “Salvation comes from the Lord.’” And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land” (Jonah 2:9-10).

           The very moment Jonah decided to obey the Lord’s command, he was freed from this unlikely prison. He was rescued from this plight in which he found himself all because he had a change of heart. He was given a second chance.

           Additionally, Nineveh was given a second chance. God intended to destroy the city of Nineveh, due to their wickedness. “When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, He relented and did not bring on them the destruction He had threatened” (Jonah 3:10). God spared the city because Jonah preached to the Ninevites. One second chance affected another second chance.

            What about you? Have you made a wrong turn in life? Does it seem as if you are imprisoned by your poor decisions? If you need a second chance like Jonah, call on the Lord right now. God’s Word says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). Jesus gave His life for you, so you could receive the gift of salvation. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so whoever believes in Him could have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

           God loves you more than you could ever imagine. Just as Jonah could not stray away from God, neither can you wander out of the reach of the love of Jesus Christ (see Romans 8:37-39). Stop running away from God and start running toward the only One who can save you. He will give you a fresh start, if you put your trust in Him. No matter what you have done, where you have been, or who you are, God will provide a way out.

           While your rescue may not require a colossal sea creature, you can rely on the fact that God will provide exactly what you need, “for your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matthew 6:8). God will provide a Refuge from the storm. He will save you, if you will only believe. Call on the name of Jesus Christ. Receive a second chance, a rebirth in Christ Jesus!