Jonah 2:1-2 (NIV®)
From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. He said: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.”
God invited the prophet Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach to the people. Jonah declined and decided he would run away from God instead. That’s a pretty cowardly response from a prophet, isn’t it? Jonah was called by God and had cooperated with Him many times. But when he received this invitation, he said, “No, thanks.” You know his story: on a ship, big storm, overboard, big fish. When Jonah found himself in the belly of the beast, he began to pray, and God delivered him. Jonah knew God. He knew that God intervened in the affairs of people, and it gave him the seeds of faith that he needed to begin to pray. Remember, no matter where you are—hospital room, prison cell, living room, or office cubicle—God knows your circumstances and hears your prayers. Even when you feel you are in the belly of the beast, He is able to deliver you.
THINK ABOUT IT
Does God’s intervention in Jonah’s situation bring you hope for the things you are crying out to God about? Many of the Psalms also record cries to the Lord and His deliverance. God does hear and answer. Keep praying!
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for hearing when I cry out to You, and bringing deliverance. Help me to never give up—to never stop turning to You and seeking You with my whole heart, knowing You care and hear. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Allen Jackson
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