"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV).
The story of Jonah, a prophet who was called by God for a certain purpose, yet he decided to flee only to end up lost in a fish's mouth, has fascinated many. Kids have found it interesting as is exotic. There are those who have chosen to dwell on its scientific accuracy, doubting that a human being can last that long inside the belly of another creature. However, if anything, this is just one normal story of what can be our fate, when we put God's call on our lives aside and go our separate way.
That Jonah knew he had been called by God there is no doubt. "The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish" (Jonah 1:1-3). What happened after he fled is telling. On the highway a terrible storm caught up with him. "Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break" (vv 4).
The sailors had never seen anything like that. Soon it was obvious the cause was Jonah. "Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm" (vv 15).
Any life may be going through a storm more because it is lost on the highway after running away from God. This is not to say that those who are out walking in the will of God are immune to trouble, but there is also that obvious danger and misfortune to plight one who has turned his back on God. For after Jonah embraced God's purpose on his life, he lived a very fullfilled life preaching to the King and the people of Nineveh against wickedness. "When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened" (Jonah 3:11).
Well, only you can tell where you are. But this story can throw light to any, that if you are not enjoying a smooth ride in your operations, perhaps it helps to check of you are walking in God's will. And once you retrace your steps and get back in the lane you belong, you will experience a certain calmness, joy and fullfillment as Jonah came to know.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, help me today to find your purpose for my life that I may walk in it and be truly fullfilled from the joy of obeying and serving you, this I pray in Jesus's name.
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04/05/2024 - 05/05/2024 All day“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your good is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua, 1:9 NKJV)
Self doubt is common to any life. Sometimes it can be a result of a challenge one is about to face. After Moses had passed on, Joshua knew he was succeeding a giant to lead the people of Israel to the Promised land. When someone succeeds a great leader there is bound to be comparison, a bit of which might be unfair and disheartening. As we see in this case, the mission was yet to be completed. If anyone, Joshua wouldn’t mind some encouragement.
Joshua would receive the encouragement he needed from God. He was assured that God Himself had chosen him to succeed Moses and take on the uncompleted task. God assured Joshua through His word that He would be with him. Joshua had had enough experiences to know that God’s promise was unfailing. After Moses sent out the twelve spies to explore the land the Israelis were about to invade, he and Caleb were the only two who believed that because of faith in God they could overcome the giants they saw (Numbers 13).
Today, any of us may be facing a task no less overwhelming from our experience as Joshua faced. Perhaps we have taken on a momentous office. We could be setting on a journey of undetermined length. Maybe there is a challenge that has just risen up from nowhere and we seemed all submerged.
The words God gave Joshua, his servant, should be of encouragement to us. Just as God commanded Joshua not to be afraid or dismayed, may we walk in that confidence.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today whatever task I face, I look up to you, and hold on to the words you gave Joshua, not to be afraid or dismayed, for you are with me, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
