This is probably the most unusual place from where any man has ever
prayed to God! Jonah, a usually good man and a prophet called of God and sent
on a mission, initially disobeyed and determined to run away from the Lord God.
He seemed to have temporarily shut off his communication with Him. On the ship
he was quite asleep, seemingly unaware that the tempest raged and threatened to
sink the vessel. He had to be called from his sleep and encouraged to pray, by
men who probably didn’t even know the One true God! There is no record that he
actually did pray while on the ship, though he seemed to know what would bring
calm to the waters. Now, however, from the fish’s belly, after three days and
three night of unthinkable torment in his rather bizarre prison cell, he prays,
and his prayer is wholehearted, sorrowful and sincere. Our disobedience and
resistance to God and His will, can sometimes cause us serious and unnecessary
distress. Some insist that we can only learn by personal experience, but we
often may find ourselves learning that way, because we leave God no other
option, but to teach us that way! It is significant that we should keep a close
and intimate relationship with Jesus, and learn to be obedient to His
directives and commands. When we remain open and teachable to God’s Spirit, He
leads us in every detail of life and helps us avoid costly mistakes and hurtful
setbacks. When we insist of being obstinate clay, the Master Potter cannot at
times, but ‘remake’ us, and that is for us, a painful process! It is largely
our choice in most instances. The Lord is willing to teach us the ‘easy’ way,
if we only work with Him, and quit behaving like we know better than Him! When
we are going through a ‘Jonah’ type moment, it may not feel that way, but God
is actually still dealing with us in love and wanting to bring out the best in
us. He gives us space to repent, straighten up and walk right again. God uses
the circumstances and situations we so foolishly land ourselves in at times, to
teach us, correct us, build us up in the faith and when necessary be made an
example to others, so they may benefit and learn from our mistakes! In this
again we see His great love. We could learn an easier way, but if the ‘hard
way’ is what we select for ourselves, then God has just the right method, to
teach us the same lesson! Interestingly, part of learning the ‘easier’ way, is
to take note of the experiences and mistakes of others, and avoid falling into
the same pitfalls. Jonah, and many others who have gone before us, are all
great examples of both right and wrong, from which, if we are wise, we can draw
a great deal of personal instruction and growth.
http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion
No comments:
Post a Comment