Jonah Turns to God

In the belly of the whale, Jonah’s heart softens. He cries out to God in prayer. Study his prayer and what it can show you about what it looks like to turn to God with a softened heart. 

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

Click here to access the reading from Jonah 2:1-10

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REFLECTION

Man Overboard!

by Judy Webb

  

This was a whale of a problem. Picture this...first Jonah can be found bobbing around in the ocean. He is watching the ship he had just been tossed from, sail away. Drowning seemed the obvious conclusion to his life as he splashed in the vast sea. Maybe his life flashed before him and he regretted his stubborn and disobedient behavior to God. Perhaps he recognized the catastrophic result of his sinful attitude and actions.

"From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God." (Jonah 2:1)

Understanding that his disobedience brought him to this place - flailing and sinking in an ocean of fear - he called out to God. Then, just as he took what he thought was a final breath, a huge fish opened its gigantic jaws and dove at Jonah. Swooping him up, he swallowed him down. Jonah spent the next three days and nights praying.

"In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help and you listened to my cry."

There are so many lessons for us in this short book of the Bible. God told Jonah to go to Nineveh, a place he didn't want to go. So, he boarded a ship destined to land miles from the place God instructed him to head. Have you ever done this? Have you ever heard God say one thing and you did the complete opposite just because you felt you knew better? I am sure most of us have. So, how did that work out?  Did you end up bobbing in a sea of pain and sorrow? Likely so.

Question, what is your Nineveh. Where is it God is leading you that you want no part of? A new location, a different job, brand new friends? Is your spirit being tugged to go in a direction you are not comfortable with? Have you prayed, talked it over with a friend or mentor? Or did you instead purchase a ticket to the other side of the world?

“And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah to dry land.”

What is keeping you from pursuing God’s will for your life? Remember, when He wants to get your attention, there is nothing outside His reach. And never think that the mess you have made is too big or messy for God.

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER - WEDNESDAY

WISDOM Pray for wisdom in these times as we all work toward protecting lives. Consider the livelihoods of millions hurt by the economic impact.