MERCY THAT SPEAKS IN CRISIS

MERCY THAT SPEAKS IN CRISIS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Lamentations 3:22-23

Supporting Texts: Psalm 86:15, Hebrews 4:16, Jonah 2:1-10, Luke 18:13-14, Romans 9:15-16

INTRODUCTION:
In times of crisis, when all hope seems lost and everything around us crumbles, there is one divine attribute that consistently intervenes and makes a difference—God’s mercy. The book of Lamentations, written during one of Israel's darkest periods, boldly declares that it is because of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed. His compassions do not fail—they are renewed every morning.

Crisis reveals human weakness and limitations, but it also becomes the stage where the power of divine mercy is most evident. Whether the crisis is personal, communal, or national, God's mercy has the ability to speak louder than judgement, shame, pain, or failure. It can reverse decrees, silence accusations, and turn despair into hope.

This sermon will explore how mercy speaks in moments of deep need, and how believers can position themselves to receive and live under God’s unfailing mercy—even in the darkest of times.

1. MERCY PRESERVES IN TIMES OF DESTRUCTION
Even in the midst of judgment or disaster, mercy acts as a divine restraint that prevents total ruin.

a) Mercy keeps us from being consumed (Lamentations 3:22):
Despite Israel's rebellion and the severity of the punishment, God's mercy preserved a remnant.

b) Mercy offers hope when all seems lost (Psalm 130:7):
With the Lord, there is unfailing love and full redemption, even when the situation looks hopeless.

c) Mercy does not expire; it is renewed daily (Lamentations 3:23):
Each new day is an opportunity for a fresh encounter with God's compassion.

d) Mercy stabilises us when everything is shaking (Psalm 94:18):
When our foot slips, God's mercy holds us up.

Biblical Example: Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord, and despite the destruction of the earth by the flood, he and his household were preserved (Genesis 6:8-9).

2. MERCY INTERVENES IN OUR LOWEST MOMENTS
God's mercy is not only present in crises but often becomes most active when we hit rock bottom.

a) Mercy responds to the cry of the broken (Luke 18:13):
The tax collector beat his chest and cried for mercy—and God heard him.

b) Mercy gives us access to divine help (Hebrews 4:16):
We are invited to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find help in time of need.

c) Mercy does not condemn; it restores (John 8:11):
Jesus did not condemn the woman caught in adultery but offered her mercy and a new beginning.

d) Mercy answers even when we are undeserving (Romans 9:16):
It is not of him who wills or runs, but of God who shows mercy.

Biblical Example: Jonah, from the belly of the fish, cried out to God, and mercy delivered him from the depths (Jonah 2:1-10).

3. MERCY SPEAKS LOUDER THAN JUDGEMENT
In times of guilt, failure, or spiritual crisis, mercy stands as a voice of redemption.

a) Mercy triumphs over judgement (James 2:13):
Even when we deserve consequences, mercy can turn the verdict around.

b) Mercy is a divine decision to forgive (Micah 7:18):
God delights in showing mercy; He does not hold on to His anger forever.

c) Mercy makes room for restoration (Hosea 14:4):
God promises to heal backsliding and love us freely.

d) Mercy rewrites destinies marred by sin (Isaiah 55:7):
When the wicked forsake their ways, God will abundantly pardon.

Biblical Example: David deserved death for adultery and murder, yet when he cried out for mercy, God forgave him and spared his life (Psalm 51:1-12).

4. MERCY RELEASES SUPERNATURAL HELP IN CRISIS
When human effort fails, mercy invites divine intervention beyond natural capacity.

a) Mercy attracts angelic assistance (Daniel 9:23):
As soon as Daniel began to pray, a command was given from heaven because he sought God’s mercy.

b) Mercy brings divine favour (Psalm 102:13):
The time to favour Zion comes because the Lord shows mercy.

c) Mercy empowers us to continue despite weakness (2 Corinthians 4:1):
Paul said, “Therefore, seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not.”

d) Mercy guarantees covenant faithfulness (Deuteronomy 7:9):
God keeps His covenant of mercy with those who love Him.

Biblical Example: The Syrophoenician woman received healing for her daughter because mercy overruled cultural and religious limitations (Matthew 15:21-28).

5. MERCY POSITIONS US FOR REVIVAL AND RESTORATION
Every move of God throughout history has been an outpouring of mercy.

a) Mercy revives the spirit of the contrite (Isaiah 57:15):
God dwells with the lowly and revives their heart by mercy.

b) Mercy reopens closed doors (Revelation 3:7-8):
What God opens, no man can shut—even in seasons of crisis.

c) Mercy releases joy after sorrow (Psalm 30:5):
Weeping may endure for a night, but mercy brings joy in the morning.

d) Mercy ensures a glorious future (Jeremiah 29:11):
God’s thoughts towards us are merciful, bringing hope and an expected end.

Biblical Example: After Peter denied Jesus, mercy restored him and empowered him to lead the early church (John 21:15-19).

CONCLUSION:
The mercy of God is not abstract—it is active, present, and powerful even in our most trying seasons. When crisis comes, we do not rely on our strength, wisdom, or righteousness. We lean wholly on the mercy of God that does not fail. His mercy speaks when words fail, when justice condemns, and when hope is lost. It revives, restores, preserves, and delivers.

Let us draw near to the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that the mercy of God is ever available and always sufficient. May we learn to cry out for His mercy in crisis, trust in it daily, and extend it to others around us.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, thank You for Your unfailing mercy over my life.
2. Lord, let Your mercy speak for me in every area of crisis.
3. Have mercy upon me and blot out my transgressions, O Lord.
4. I receive grace to walk in humility and not in judgement.
5. Let Your mercy restore all that I have lost.
6. Father, raise me up by Your mercy out of every pit of despair.
7. By Your mercy, silence every voice of accusation in my life.
8. Let the cry of mercy speak louder than every crisis in my family.
9. Father, may my life be a testimony of Your abundant mercy.
10. I decree that I will not be consumed because of Your mercies.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. The mercy of God will speak for you in every courtroom of life.
2. You shall not be consumed—mercy will preserve you.
3. Every crisis in your life is giving way to divine restoration.
4. Where you were disqualified, mercy will qualify you.
5. The voice of judgement is silenced over your destiny.
6. Your life will reflect the mercy and compassion of God daily.
7. In every storm, God’s mercy will carry you through.
8. Because of mercy, help will arise for you suddenly.
9. Mercy will rewrite your story and give you a new beginning.
10. You will testify of the mercy that rescued you from destruction.