In times of trouble haven’t we all promised God that if only He will help us out of this difficulty just this once, we will always stay faithful to Him? But let good times come again and back we slide into indifference and disobedience. Over and over the children of Israel did this. They cried to the Lord in their misery and he sent deliverers, only to see them return to idolatry. Jonah went on his way disobeying God, until in the belly of the whale, he cried out in great despair. He lamented, “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you.” Pharaoh exhibited the same type of behavior. After some of the most severe plagues he admitted his sin and begged for forgiveness, but he had to be brought much lower before his remorse was sincere.

We should resolve to serve God faithfully each day and not wait until the evil days come to turn to Him. However, when we do sin, we have a loving and compassionate Heavenly Father who is willing to forgive. What a consolation!