God Saved Jonah

What do you do when your back is against the wall? Well have all had moments when we over our heads so to speak. It is not a pleasant experience. For some, the loss of control that comes when you are unable to maintain control of your environment is unbearable.

Yesterday, we discussed Jonah and the consequences of his disobedience. He was thrown overboard and found himself in the ocean. But God in His mercy, made preparation for Jonah: “Now the Lord had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights.” Jonah 1:17 NLT. Even though Jonah was living with the consequences of his actions, God supplied him with a different mode of transportation.

When, like Jonah, we find ourselves walking in disobedience, what should we do? Jonah took the time to pray. He prayed a very passionate prayer from the heart. As we look into his prayer we learn that he endured some terrifying moments before he was rescued by the great fish. But in verse 4 he said,  ‘O Lord, you have driven me from your presence. Yet I will look once more toward your holy Temple.’ Jonah knew his history and the Word of the Lord. When Solomon dedicated the Temple in 2 Chronicles 6, he asked God to honor the prayer of his people. Verse 21 says, “May you hear the humble and earnest requests from me and your people Israel when we pray toward this place. Yes, hear us from heaven where you live, and when you hear, forgive.”

When we find ourselves in the uncomfortable place of disobedience, we can do like King Saul and make excuses. As a result, disobedience became his lifestyle. One day Samuel told him, “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.”  1 Samuel 15:22. Jonah, acknowledged his transgression and went to God in prayer and God heard his prayer.

Thought for Today: Friend, when you fail God, repent.

Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory