I’ve read the book of Jonah multiple times on my own and I’ve studied it with a women’s study group. It seems like a simple story of a prophet who doesn’t like what God asks him to do (“Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and cry against it, for their wickedness has come before Me.” 1:2) So, Jonah decides to flee from the presence of the Lord—which we all know is an impossibility.
This morning, I read chapter two with a new eye—that of Kay Arthur’s inductive bible study. I’m new to studying the bible inductively, and it definitely makes me slow down. Way down. Marking the scripture with colored pencils are right up my creative alley, and at first, that seemed to be my focus. However, this morning I received more than the usual nonchalant message—consequences for disobedience. Instead I connected with the amazing message of how God is in the details of every aspect of our lives from the consequences to His undeniable grace.
We may think Jonah is a unique story, and it is. However, we can plug our own tendencies toward disobedience and see how we are mired in the ickiness of life (maybe not the belly of a fish, but the belly of our emotions) and forget who is really in charge. And it ain’t us! My disobedience of late has been worry. Most of us do it and think nothing of it, but it’s really a slap in the face for God. Where is my faith when I worry about how this will work or how that will work? He’s already got the details handled and I’m just questioning His wisdom.
When I think back to all the “stuff” in my life—that which led me to surrender to Jesus and those circumstances after—I see God’s hand in every detail and I wouldn’t change a thing, because everything that has happened has led me to where I am today. There are things in my past that make me cringe, and every one of those situations were out of God’s will—while I was fleeing from His presence out of stubbornness, pride or fear. But when I repented (as Jonah does while laying in the stomach of a stinky fish) God has always been faithful to carry me through. I still live with the consequences, but hopefully I’m a little wiser.
Has God ever pulled you from the metaphorical belly of a fish? What did you learn from it? And if you’re wallowing in the muck right now, consider surrendering it all to the Lord and wait for His amazing grace. You may not avoid the consequences, but He can do wonders in the midst of it.
Comments 1
Oh how furious our bluster, and how frail our attempts at freedom outside of Christ. Love the reminder to stay in obedience with peace-a rich reward.