A Tale of a Whale...

Today I'm doing something completely out of my comfort zone and writing what I've learned in my She Reads Truth study lately. I LOVE this daily time in the Word and I am so thankful for these AMAZING ladies who pour their hearts and souls into something that has become my daily routine, and one I deeply cherish. Go, check it out. They are amazing and they provide a wonderful resource for Christian women in today's society. 

"Jonah, Jonah, Jonah Jonah Jonah..."

I sing it every time someone speaks of Jonah, the "big fish", the whale, and Ninevah.

As a child our church youth always performed 2 musicals a year, one Christmas themed as well as a spring musical of our {read: music director's} choosing. 

One year, we performed this one. The story and the songs were catchy, and we actually performed it again when we were all teenagers. You see, I grew up with the same kids for the most part and we really enjoyed the "Oh, Jonah: revisited" if you will. 

BUT. I don't think I ever retained anything from these musicals. The scriptures and messages escaped me. Sure, I got the gist...I related the stories. But as an adult I'm truly able to grasp the lessons these stories were trying to teach us as children. Funny how perspective changes!

I always joke I gain more from reading Greyson's Bible stories than he does...I always look back and have an "ah-ha" moment.

Jonah RAN. He straight up said, "Umm...NO!"

How many of us have felt that tugging? That "gut feeling"? Or that calling, the Holy Spirit nudging us along.  I know I've gone the wrong way several times in life. And I'm pretty sure that's evidenced by some of the situations I've managed to get myself into. However, God always takes these opportunities to wake me up and perhaps use my mistakes as a "teaching moment".

And I think that is EXACTLY what he did when he sent the storm.

I kind of parallel that to the "storms" in my life. 

Hindsight is 20/20. And I see where I've veered and slipped up and just completely denied what I was supposed to be doing. And I can clearly see those moment where I LISTENED and followed, and it brought me much delight to serve the Lord. 

Every day I am in awe of the plans he has for us. I'm more and more aware of the timeline in my life that he has laid out and the GRACE he gives me as I stumble along, sometimes forgetting to put my little hand in his BIG hand and let him guide me along the way. 

As in verse 6 where Jonah prayed "...But you brought my life up from the pit, O Lord my God"

I also empathize with Jonah. Where sometimes I jump up on my high-and-mighty pedestal and think..."WHY?! They don't DESERVE that!" As he felt when God had mercy on the people of Ninevah. What Jonah didn't see in that time was that God had shown him incredible mercy as well.

I think it's easy for us to get "caught up" in our own lives and in the day-to-day hustle and bustle and some how believe it's all about us. Something was said in one of our recent studies about how it's natural for our sinner's heart to be SELFISH and we have to make sure we're aware.

I completely relate with Jonah, and I find myself asking why sometimes. And then I feel that little tap on my shoulder that says..."well, I forgave you honey" and it's true.

We are never too far gone for OUR GOD. And that, ladies, is AMAZING.

As I look back remembering how fun I thought it was to be able to put on a feather boa and some 1990's cool sun shades and pretend to be a sinner in Ninevah.  I wonder how that little girl would feel knowing what she knows now about the story of Jonah.

Thank you Lord, for your mercy, your grace, your forgiveness in our lives. Although sometimes I may deny your calling, I am thankful that you PURSUE me and fight for me even when I'm running away. Your persistence and love for me is overwhelming. Please help me to recognize your calling and guide me along the path I am intended to take, following your call and guidance Oh Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen!