This morning I am back in Jonah and even more interested in the great fish that the Lord PROVIDED. What a horrible nasty, smelly rotten place to be. God provided protection to Jonah from the storm Jonah created by not obeying God. But this protection was not an easy place to be. Jonah had sinned and admitted his sin. When he admitted his sin and sacrificed himself to the storm he was protected but it still was not enough. Jonah had to stay in the belly of a fish for 3 days and 3 nights. He needed to do more than just admit his sin. While he was in the fish he turned his eyes back to God, thanked Him and vowed he will make good. He acknowledged God's grace even when Jonah walked in the opposite direction.
When Jonah was truly sorry and came back, God granted repentance and the fish vomited Jonah on to dry land. Once again God gave Jonah the opportunity to follow His will. This time Jonah obeyed .
Today I am in that fish. Yes, I have His protection around me from the storm I caused in my heart, but what a smelly, nasty place to be. I haven't done enough. I realized and admit that I walked the opposite direction of God's will. He gave me gifts to use to glorify His kingdom and I was selfish with them, I didn't allow myself to be used. I got in a rut of everything in this world coming before Him. Until I am truly sorry, not just realize my wrong doing I will stay in this smelly place. God is working on me. I can feel it my soul. I know Him, love Him and trust Him.
The rest of the book of Jonah is living in my heart. I am amazed by God's love and compassion for the Ninevites. I am amazed by Jonah's attitude once God showed the same compassion to the Ninevites that He showed to Jonah. I hope that once God grants me repentance I do not fall into the trap that Jonah and so many of us fall into.
Today I am urgently calling on God. Repentance is coming and I will dwell in the belly of this fish as long as I need to be vomited onto dry land and given another opportunity to follow God's will.
But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth.
Let everyone call urgently on God.
Let them give up their evil ways and their violence.
Who knows?
God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger
so that we will not perish"
Jonah 3:8-9
Praising Him with all my heart and all my soul. Thank you for your Word and for keeping me safe from my storm.
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