Jonah

Thrift Schooling
8
Most of us have heard of the story of  Jonah and the Big Fish. It's quite common actually. If I do a post about Jonah I'd probably be preaching to the choir. But honestly when we think of Jonah what are the first things that come to mind? Well, disobedience for one. When faced with a situation that I don't really want to do for the Lord I usually think in the back of my mind, "I don't want to be a Jonah." Really, I don't because through that story we do learn that God will have his way, despite us. God wanted the people of Nineveh to repent. And sure, God himself could simply turn their hearts towards Him, but He chose to use a man. A man who was called. I also think about how crazy it must have been for Jonah to seriously be willing to jump from the boat once he realized the storm was happening because of his disobedience. Rather than allowing all the people of the ship to suffer he was willing to kill himself? I mean in reality that is what was happening. When Jonah jumped was allowed to be thrown into the stormy waters what did he expect to happen? Heaven to open up or for dry land to appear? Whether he had faith that God would save him or not, it was quite a move on his part. Kind of like the akehdah, which is the Hebrew term for the event when Abraham was about to kill Isaac. At that moment that he had the knife in hand, Abraham was willing to accept the will of God, not fully knowing what it was at that moment.

God doesn't always show us the big picture. The Bible says that "we know in part," (1 Cor 13:9) and I guess he entrusts us with "the part" that we can handle at the time. Sometimes we just need to realize that the storms and trials in life really are sent to us by God to reveal our hearts. Sometimes I just want to change my situation when I need to let my situation change me. Jonah really didn't have a choice. He was called by God to preach repentance in Nineveh. Abraham didn't have a choice. He was commanded by God to kill his son, his inheritance, his promise. In both situations, God provided a way out, but only once they took a step of faith proving their obedience. Jonah's provision was a fish. Nice provision. If I was in the sea and was swallowed by a fish I highly doubt I would be thanking God. Sometimes the provision comes in a form that seems like a curse but is really a blessing in disguise. Maybe it's through that person that you can't stand, but God wants to bless you through them anyways!  So, when your children are giving you attitude problems, or if you feel like all you do is change diapers, all.day.long, don't lose heart, rather let God change your heart and use you for His glory! 

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  1. Hi Heather, I'm a true believer that God uses others to touch us or teach us. I'm so glad that he used you to bring this message to me. I haven't thought about Jonah in a long time and I love your views on this lesson. God does have a plan for us if only we will let go of the wheel in faith and let him control the ride. I'm looking forward to visiting your cute blog again.

    Hugs...Tracy @ Cotton Pickin Cute

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  2. what a great message and reminder that God is in control and takes care of us. Thanks for sharing!

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  3. It's funny, we named our youngest son Jonah. When he was being baptized, our minister jokingly said "let's hope he turns out better than the original." :D

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  4. Still...I won't be sad when we're completely finished with diapers ;)

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  5. Actually, Jonah didn't jump in; the men on the ship with him threw him overboard. At least, that's the story in the Bible versions I'm familiar with: KJV, NKJV, NIV, ESV, and NASB. But Jonah told them that if they did so, the storm would stop. So he WAS willing to put his life in jeopardy to save theirs, as you said.

    Thank you for this reminder! We may not always like our circumstances, but God allows things to happen for a reason, even if we don't understand what that is at the time.

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    1. Yes! You are absolutely right! I don't want to misquote the Bible so I'm going to correct it, thanks so much!!!

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  6. I do agree with your post :P If I was in his place, I'd probably never jump into that raging waters! I may be selfish but I would rather we all sink together than take the dive uh-oh evil me. It's not that I am not willing to help others but such situation is truly a very scary one to contemplate! And I definitely won't be thanking God either if the fish swallowed me LOL

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