Jonah 1-4... I read this while we were on vacation in Sun River. I have to admit that I had a smirky smile on my face as I read from Jonah that day. You know you've had one of "those days" when you are going through a series of decisions and events and you wonder "How in the world did I end up here?" I'm pretty sure that Jonah felt that way as he found himself in the belly of the whale.
It's in "those times":
1. We realize that God can or will orchestrate our lives to bring us either to a time of crisis or reflection. Jonah was in the belly of the whale for 3 days and 3 nights. Plenty of time for God to allow Jonah to see where he was at and where he needed to go.
2. God doesn't intend to make us stay in hard times any longer than we need to. In verse 7 it says that Jonah remembered the Lord and God heard his prayer. He renewed his commitment to the Lord and it wasn't long after that God delivered him from the belly of the whale.
3. God doesn't change His mind. This cracked me up. Jonah wasn't long out of the whale's belly when God again reminded him of what he was to do. Jonah had been selected to deliver a message to the people of Ninevah and He hadn't changed His mind. Do you suppose Jonah was saying to himself "Really God? Do you have any idea the week I've had?" It's the same process we all go through when we've gotten off track - just get back on track and keep going.
4. God hears our prayers even when we are walking in disobedience. Vs 7 says Jonah prayed (I remembered the Lord) and his prayer came to God in His Holy temple. He's not as far away as we think in the tough times. He is waiting for our attitudes to adjust or for us to acknowledge our need of Him. This paints a picture of a true and loving Father. One that says "I'll just wait until you straighten up and recognize you need Me, but I am right here and ready to receive you when you are."
God rocks...
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