‘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. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord . ‘
Jonah 1:1-3 NIV

‘Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.’
Jonah 1:17 NIV

Jonah is a fascinating dude with a fascinating story.

Now, I don’t know about you, but whenever I read the book of Jonah I always think, “I wouldn’t have run away. I would have listened to God and gone straight to Ninevah.”

This is coming from the girl who won’t talk to other people when she’s new at church.

But as I was reading Jonah the other day, I realized, there are so many life lessons here! So let’s dive in!

First of all: if God tells you to do something, don’t question Him. He sees the whole picture while you see a tiny bit from your biased and sinful perspective.

It’s similar to His timing versus our timing. He knows everything, and we don’t. So who should we trust? The one who’s messed up a lot orrrr the One who created the earth and stars and whales (even ones who might swallow you)?

You might need some time to think about that one. I know I did for sure.

Second of all: three days in the belly of a fish all by yourself, you will do one of two things: you will either realize that God is right and you were wrong and you ask for forgiveness. Or, you think only about how you are still right and God is still wrong and that’s that.

When I spend time by myself, I mope and just stay that way. But if you take some time, meditate on God’s word, and think about Him and His goodness instead of you and your problems? You might find that your perspective will change.

Third of all: sometimes in life, all you need is a giant fish to come into your life and straighten you out.

Whether that giant fish comes in the shape of a broken relationship, the death of a loved one, or a big change in life, that might be what you needed to get back on the path of God.

We often mess up, but God still gives us grace. How freaking awesome is that???

Have a great week!
~Willow <3