Are you in a fish's belly?

Have you said yes when you really wanted to say no?  Maybe you understand how Jonah felt when he recommitted himself to God's purpose.  We are all familiar with this Bible story about the consequences of Jonah's disobedience with God.  This story doesn't end with Jonah simply obeying God.  The book actually closes with him acknowledging why he didn't want to obey God.  He finally said yes when he wanted to say no.

August has been a very hot month, with track temperatures reaching the 120+ degrees or more.  Many times, chaplains are faced with extreme weather conditions in order to reach the people for Christ.  We believers resist doing God's will for many reasons--fear, feelings of inadequacy, etc.  Sometimes we say no because we dislike the probable outcome of obedience.  As Jonah, we can lose sight of spiritually important things and focus on our own desires and comfort.

When the Lord calls us to act, He will take care of the end results.  Our job is to obey.  Obedience is required of you.  The final results may surprise you; particularly how blessed you will be for having followed God.

You know, I wouldn't want to learn my lesson in the belly of a fish!  I just need to stay focused on God's will, not my own.  Have you been fishing lately?

Mike Williams