Friday Fight 252: The Slow Work of Repentance

Every Friday morning, during my quiet time with the Lord, He faithfully places something on my heart that speaks to the subtle, internal battles many of us face. This is Friday Fight 252.

Repentance is one of the most beautiful and misunderstood parts of the Christian life. Many of us have prayed for forgiveness and expected immediate internal change, only to feel confused when our hearts feel untouched? Our prayer was sincere and our repentance was genuine, yet the transformation felt delayed.

The Slow Work of Repentance:

Scripture reveals that repentance is rarely instantaneous. More often, it is the visible result of a deep, unseen work that God patiently performs over time. Luke 15:7 says, “In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away.” In this passage, Jesus tells us that heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents, but also the stories surrounding the joy teach us something important: repentance is preceded by pursuit. Before the sheep returns, the shepherd is searching. Before the son repents, the father watches, waits, and runs. Repentance does not initiate the movement—love does. It allows us to see the process rather than our performance and our process matters to God.

There are times when our growth feels slow. It feels this way because repentance is not simply behavioral correction. It is a heart-level transformation which takes time. The soil in which repentance grows is humility, not pressure or condemnation. A heart does not turn because it is commanded to change; it turns when it is softened. This is why God often works quietly before He works visibly, cultivating the inner life before addressing the outer fruit.

Intercession plays a critical role in this process. Luke 15 reveals intentional pursuit: the shepherd searches and the father waits with unwavering love. This is what faithful intercession looks like—persistent prayer and trust that God is working even when change is not yet apparent. When repentance finally emerges, heaven rejoices, not because God was uncertain of the outcome, but because what was formed in secret has now become visible.

So, if your repentance feels slow, do not mistake that slowness for absence. God is not hurried. The very fact that your heart is aware, tender, and seeking Him is evidence that He is already at work. What you cannot yet see is carefully forming. Trust the Gardener. The joy of heaven is not reserved for perfect people, but for hearts that are turning.

If you wish to support this ministry, please donate here:

https://newlifecv.churchcenter.com/.../god-s-first...

In His Grace,

Pastor Shannon

River Church

------------------------------

#GodsFirstResponders #Newlife #RiverChurch #PrayerWarriors #FridayFight #FridayFightRoom #FightingSpiritualWarfare #Luke #Luke15v7