Have you ever found yourself in the midst of an undesirable situation, and after much deliberation, began to ask silently, "What Have I Gotten Myself Into?" The question continues to linger and intensify, demanding relief and resolve. The winds of adversity begin to hurl, as you awake enclosed in a fog of misery that verges on deepened sorrow, which lands you overboard in a most unwanted, yet needed position. The sun that was once shining and the cool breeze of ease that was once so familiar, has now been drowned out by the silent conflict which clearly demands a confrontation.
When looking from the shorelines at the life of the Old Testament prophet Jonah, it could be concluded that Jonah was one who simply "went in the wrong direction." Rather than responding favorably and obediently to God's directive, Jonah decided to secure his fare and immediate future, taking a cruise to the islands of Tarshish - the islands of adventure. When reading this biblical account in the book of Jonah, we note that while he paid his fare, he never got there.
*** But, what was it that took this trusted man in the opposite direction, away from the plan set before him?
*** And, what did his decision deliver as a result?
*** Who knew that Jonah's blatant disregard of obedience would become such a life training manual for those, who too, would find themselves in the belly of a whale, while a world stands suspended in need?
*** How could he be found sleeping, while God wanted him speaking?
To sum it up, life is full of decisions which are readily exposed and vulnerable to potential distractions, that postures one for the need of deliverance.
Deliverance? Delivered from what, is the question in focus here!?!
En Route to Nineveh...
