When he tried to quit his job as prophet and run away from the Lord’s calling on his life, I thought of times when I’ve been out of the Lord’s will and resisted doing the things that He wanted me to do.

When Jonah was on the ship and the sailors were terrified because the storm was threatening to break the boat up, I thought of times when my disobedience has affected others.

As he was sinking to the bottom of the sea, I thought of times when I have found myself crying out to God because I am drowning in the consequences of my sinful waywardness.

Then when Jonah was safe inside the fish that God had prepared, I thought of the many times that God has provided for me, even when I didn’t recognize it as such at the time.

When God used Jonah to bring revival to Nineveh, I thought of times when God was able to use me despite my many shortcomings.

And when Jonah’s prejudice persisted even after the people of Nineveh had repented, I was reminded that I often see people differently than God does.