God’s R & R

[Jonah] said, “I cried out to the LORD because of my affliction, and He answered me. Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and You heard my voice.”

Jonah 2:2

Remember old Jonah? He had his personal plans made the day God approached him and asked him to go to Nineveh to preach to the Assyrians. Jonah thought better of that idea and jumped on a ship heading to Spain. Because this was not acceptable behavior for a prophet, the Lord allowed Jonah a few days of “R & R” (rest and regurgitation) to reconsider. After that, Jonah saw the light and also saw things God’s way.

The very fact that God would set Jonah aside in an uncomfortable place in order to get his attention ought to be a warning for us. That doesn’t mean that every time we disobey God, He’s going to do the same to us. But it apparently is an option. The psalmist David, after spending a number of months incapacitated because of sin, says, “Do not be like the horse or like the mule . . . which must be harnessed with bit and bridle” (Psalm 32:9). Instead, just do what you know you should. Is there anything God has asked you to do to which you still haven’t said yes?

Going where God wants you to go might not be nearly as unpleasant as the alternative.

It hurts when God has to PRY things out of our hand!

CORRIE TEN BOOM