Jonah Challenge

Psalm 119:71 

71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes.

 

 

Devotional

"My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees." (Psalm 119:71, NLT). Afflictions and storms cause us to be totally dependent on the only ANCHOR that can fight waves – GOD. There is a beautiful Hillsong Song called 'Cornerstone' and in one of the verses the lyrics are ‘My anchor holds within the veil’. This is the hope that every Believer has, that no matter the storm, our Anchor being God, will hold!
Have Faith In The Prayers Made During Storm
Jonah had faith that God heard his prayer and delivered him from his situation! From verse 1-2, I deduce that he believed his prayer was answered before he was ‘actually’ delivered. We need this type of faith, storm or no storm! We need to believe that God hears our prayers and will answer according to His sovereign will! Remember Jonah spent 3 days in that fish! Most of us would have given up after day one. Jonah persevered, seeking God’s answer, turning His heart to God’s temple and we should too!
The Weeds Of The Mind And The Importance Of FELLOWSHIP
Jonah said the weeds entangled his head. This intrigued me. Head=mind… Looking at the features of weeds: They are annoying plants, if you have a garden you’d know. Weeds are skilled in growing anywhere and everywhere that weed killer does not exist! Weeds grow aggressively!
Those weeds are the negative maladaptive thoughts, cognitions that grow in the absence of the weed killer – The Word of God (John 1:1), God, Fellowship etc.
"God’s Word is a sword, ‘shank’ every thought that is impure" as Jahaziel’s song says. Take captive every thought, don’t allow it to grow! Fellowship is so important. Lack of fellowship with others leaves you vulnerable on a spiritual level! The mathematics of the Bible shows how important fellowship is!
When Jesus started his ministry, what did he do? He found himself disciples, varying in kind and occupation! 12 to be precise.
When God created the world, who was with him? The Holy Spirit, the counselor, WISDOM.
Adam was given to Eve.
Need I say more…FELLOWSHIP is key! The List of Examples are endless.