For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Iraj G
Through scripture we see time after time that the Heavenly Father, almighty God, changes His mind out of His compassion and love. What does not change and is immutable is God's character.
Mary McDonald
I can't give you how God sees us, I can only answer as a Mother to my children. I allowed my children to let their rooms get to a certain point, then tell them time to clean their rooms. If it doesn't happen in a day or two, they are told again to clean their rooms, and if they don't I will clean it and everything, not put away properly, would be put in a garbage bag for the next trash pick up. They didn't believe me till I got a broom and swept the whole mess into a pile in the hall while I got a garbage bag. They cleaned up their stuff pretty fast, and helped put the real trash in the bag.
As they got older and rebellious teens they repeatedly ignored the clean up rule. I was working now, so they ignored rules more often, unlike God I had grown tired. Finally I set the ultimatum again. They didn't believe it now, their stuff was more costly and important. But true to my word, I cleaned up for them as I warned. Their stuff was all bagged and taken to the trash can.
My rule did not change, their choice to respond changed. They started being more attentive to the rules again. (I also noted the next day, the trash bags were nearly empty.)
Now, had one of them gotten sick in the time frame I had given, they would have had a "grace" period. Still not a change of my mind, but grace under the circumstances.
I have made many mistakes with my kids, but isn't this an example of how God is with us? Wanting us to listen to Him, but chastizing us when we ignore Him?