"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.
