Praying In The Midst Of A Storm

The sailors rowed even harder to get the ship to the land. But the stormy sea was too violent for them, and they couldn’t make it. Then they cried out to the LORD, Jonah’s God. “O LORD,” they pleaded, “don’t make us die for this man’s sin. And don’t hold us responsible for his death. O LORD, you have sent this storm upon him for your own good reasons.”

Jonah 1:13-16

The sailors were desperate. As the wind and waves grew more fierce, they feared for their lives. They tried everything, including praying to their gods. Nothing worked—until Jonah admitted he was running from God. What a way to witness to unbelievers! It was these pagan sailors who encouraged Jonah, a prophet of God, to obey the living God—not the other way around. Yet God not only brought Jonah back to himself, he also demonstrated his power to those unbelieving sailors. They submitted themselves to God’s will, prayed that he would spare their lives, and committed themselves to following him.

Like these sailors, recognize that the Lord is always working out his good will—even through difficult circumstances.

• Dear God, you have sent this storm for your own good reasons. Please spare me . . .