Jonah 2:10
“Then the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah up onto the dry land.”
God had a job for Jonah to do. He didn’t like it, so he fled in the opposite direction. God was set that Jonah would do it, so He caused a storm at sea. The sailors panicked and all called on their gods to see if they would save them. Jonah told them that he was the reason for the storm and if they would toss him in the sea, then the storm would stop. They eventually threw him over board. The storm did die down, but Jonah was going to drown, so God rescued him by charging a fish (or a whale) to swallow him and deliver him to Nineveh. Which brings us to today’s verse, the fish regurgitated him on the beach.
God will work His will in our lives. Normally we acquiesce to it, but He can put pressure on us to comply. Today’s verse is an example. This would be the most dramatic example of God working His will. On the other end of the spectrum has us being disobedient and God using another vessel to work His will.
Often God will work in us to want to do what He wants. This usually happens without our knowledge. Proverbs 21:1 says, “The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.” What’s true for the king is true for the commoner. This would surprise many. They think they are the ones calling all the shots. God’s power and abilities would blow their minds. Creation is the great evidence of it. Unfortunately, many have allowed the wisdom of the world to persuade them that all evolved from a couple of bits of life. But it’s God.
I can recall pastor Chuck saying that he wanted to stay available to God. That a concern of his was that he would be on the shelf unused by God. When we would say “no” to God will put us there. He wanted to be a constant “yes” to God.
Psalm 32:9 speaks of the stubborn heart, “Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding; they must be controlled with bit and bridle to make them come to you.” We should have willing, ready hearts.
We may be afraid to do as He asks. Pray for the courage and willingness. He will bless us as we obey. What an awesome thought that we are cooperating with God. He seeks to change their final destination from hell to heaven.
He also empowers us to do His will. He works circumstances and changes hearts. Thank You, Lord.
Lord, thank You for using us. What a privilege to be used of God. Help us to be compliant.