Lessons From the Fish's Belly

Today's Bible reading was the story of Jonah. This story teaches us about obedience, willingness of spirit, gratitude, compassion and God’s patience and mercy. Jonah was asked by God to go to Nineveh to announce judgment because of their wickedness. But instead of obeying, he turned and ran the other way "to get away from the Lord." Through a series of events, his disobedience led him to a huge "time out" inside the belly of a large fish. What a place for contemplation and reflection, huh?

How many times have we disobeyed the voice of God, only to find ourselves in a cold, dark, uncomfortable and lonely place? It's one thing to step the wrong direction because we do not hear clearly. But when we willfully disobey, that's when we'll find ourselves smack dab in the middle of the fish's gut.

No matter what, whether by innocent mishap or willful disobedience, God is always there to realign and point us back in the direction of His will. I wonder what it felt like to be Jonah back then, sitting all alone in that cold, dark place, reflecting on what he should have done. I, for one, do not want to find out. I strive every day to hear the voice of the Lord and when I do, to act accordingly. I don't want to give God any reason to thrust me into the sea to be swallowed up by some fish.

How about you? Are you having a hard time being obedient in something God is asking you to do? Pray and ask Him to give you the strength. He will not ask you to do anything that He will not equip you for in every way.