“From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. He said: ‘In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.’”
– Jonah 2:1-2
 Jonah was called to preach in Nineveh in Assyria. That is a bold call. The Assyrians were the most brutal, vicious, violent and scary people in human history. They would skin people alive, torture people, and burn cities to the ground. And Jonah, this Jewish man, is asked to go into the heart of the capital of those people and preach God’s judgment against them. And Jonah more or less said: “No Way!” Jonah gets on a boat, and sails from Jaffa to Tarshish. He basically goes as far away from Nineveh as he can get. On that boat ride, a whale gobbles him up, and in the belly of the whale, he prays for forgiveness. God gives it to him. Then what does God do? The whale vomits him on the shores of Assyria. That’s what happens to many of us. We keep running away from the things that worry or cripple us, and we get swallowed by a monster. We get swallowed by life. We drown in anxiety and worry because all we’ve always done is walking away from scary things and withdrawn from things that cripple us. We find ourselves completely lost. By the way, friends, this is something we all do. You’re not alone in this. We find ourselves stuck in the belly of the whale. And I want to warn you: When you pray to God for freedom, He will vomit you on the shores of Nineveh. He will present you face-to-face with the thing He has called you to do. Why? Because He has given you everything you need to have victory, and He wants you to know it in your bones. He wants you to see how awesome He has made you, and you’ll never know that unless you start doing scary things. |
Prayer
Thank you dear Lord, for bringing me to me Godly purpose. I might not feel it every day, but I know that — even when I tend to run away — You will carry on. Help me to do the scary things I need to do.
Reflection
What scary things do you need to do?
8 Responses
This is so helpful. My dear mother has also encouraged by saying gods purpose could be something I did but didn’t understand what I was doing so on the days I don’t understand they could be the ones where god is preparing me quietly.
Merry Christmas and love in Christ
Rowena B
I am spending my first holiday season without my beloved husband of 21 years. I also just had a good freind who helped me during the 5 months since my husband’s passing recently pass himself. It’s hard but my furry kids, a few good friends and some family and God will hopefully get us through. God bless you all and be safe this holiday season.
Dear Debra. That is such a sad story. This must be a really hard time for you. We wish you God’s comfort, peace and love this holiday season! We are praying for you.
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.
Debra Sawyer
We received good news.. My husbands Cancer has almost completely resolved with the help of good Dr’s, Keytruda and the Love and Prayers of Friends and Family. Most important for me was the comfort and support of your Daily Devotions. Thank you
That is great to hear, Marion! Blessings for you, your husband, friends and family!
PS.Bobby, and Family in Christ,
Thanks be to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit!
MERRY CHRISTMAS! And Thank You. I Hope YOU and YOURS, A Peaceful, Healthy Holidays.
Sincerely, Patricia
1209 Tulip St. #3G
Longmont, CO.
80501
Fear is a very powerful enemy. I see so much truth in Pastor Bobby’s devotional because this is exactly what has happened to me. Every time I tried to run away from facing my fears, God has presented me with yet another challenge. And guess what? I have overcome. I’m not even remotely the fearful person I was when I first landed in the belly of the whale. Praise God, for He is powerful and in Him I find my strength and not only that but shelter, love, a way and deliverance. Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, goodwill toward all men. Merry Christmas! ❄