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“Pick me (Jonah) up and through me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” Jonah 1:16 (NIV)

Love those moments when we choose to accept God’s truth and obey His truth. Nothing sweeter than the reaping of doing what God asks. When we obey His commands, we walk in the fullness of His abundance: joy, peace, wisdom, strength….the list is endless. Good consequences occur when we heed God’s wisdom.

But if you and are honest – we tend to land in the pit of the not so good consequences. Our human nature often excuses away God’s warnings. It’s a sneaky lie from the enemy that God is withholding what we deserve. Started out in the garden, and the game plan has never changed. We simply overlook, ignore and discredit God’s commands because we want something different.

Ever find yourself there – drowning in the waves of self? I certainly have. Whatever pleasure I gained was short lived. Fun evaporated quickly, and the reaping of those moments definitely were far from sweet. No lasting joy can ever be found in disobedience.

Real problem – we often take others down with us. That’s exactly what happened to Jonah. He’s a prophet on the run that jumps aboard a ship headed in the opposite direction of where God intended him to go. The sailors were in for a scary ride when they allowed Jonah to join them. A violent storm arises out of nowhere. Storms were not new to this crew but they had never seen anything like the one brewing toward them and the runaway prophet.

Right in the midst of his life threatening consequences, Jonah does the brave thing. He admits he’s the one at fault. Reluctantly those impacted by Jonah’s disobedience throw him into the sea and the raging waters calmed.

Our choices affect others far more than we ever realize. Running away from God’s truth will stir up the worst storm. And when we’re the reason others are feeling the assault of our disobedience – be brave and step up to the plate – admit our wrongs and seek God’s forgiveness. Throw those empty excuses aside and humbly accept His grace.

“Father, You never force obedience but You love us too much to leave us on the run. Praising You for bringing storms that bring us to our knees.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life