Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord. (Jonah 2:8-9)
Jonah Moments ~ Part 1
Jonah wasn’t in the water long, before God provided a big fish to swallow him. For three days and three nights, Jonah spent his time in that fish. At first, he didn’t even know where he was. It took him all three days and three nights to repent. How long does it take us at times to admit we are wrong, that we have been judgmental, unkind, unloving, etc? In Jonah 2, a beautiful prayer unfolds. Jonah comes running back to God. We can do this too! It only takes a moment! Have you taken a moment to pray today? Have you had a conversation with the One who loves you and created you? If not, stop and take time to exalt His name on high.
The last part of Jonah’s prayer really sticks out to me. Jonah compares himself to the sailors on board the ship. The sailors turned to their gods when the storm hit the ship, but their gods didn’t come through. It was at that time that they turned to the One, True, Living God. They only knew God for a moment, but they turned and made vows to Him. Jonah knew God for a lot longer, but he ran from Him. Jonah looked back on this whole situation and decided to make things right with God. He told God he would make right what he vowed to Him. He originally vowed to be a spokesman, to follow God wherever God led him even when it didn’t suit his interest. Jonah surrendered! Immediately after this confession of repentance, Jonah was vomited up on dry land. God heard Jonah’s prayer and He responded!
Our obedience leads to God’s response!
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