No, it's not a new Bible story--it's the same wonderful story--and I know--it was NOT a whale--it was a big FISH! Now that we've straightened out that theological twist that you might bring up...and THAT was an unintended pun...grin..., let me assure you, in any event, it WAS deep!
How do I know? Cause I've been there--and so have you! DOWN in the belly of the DEEP--the dark places of life that cause discouragement, despair and defeat! Jonah, God's servant had disobeyed the Lord, and so his deep-water experience was a consequence he had to pay. Sometimes we obey the Lord, and it still happens. Why? And what to do?
We certainly don't have all the answers now--someday we will. Until then, I'm sure there are lessons to be learned "down in the belly of the deep"--and there ARE lessons to be learned from the story of Jonah. He's just "come up" onto shore, he's dripping wet, smelly and . . .
No, it's not a new Bible story--it's the same wonderful story--and I know--it was NOT a whale--it was a big FISH! Now that we've straightened out that theological twist that you might bring up...and THAT was an unintended pun...grin..., let me assure you, in any event, it WAS deep!
How do I know? Cause I've been there--and so have you! DOWN in the belly of the DEEP--the dark places of life that cause discouragement, despair and defeat! Jonah, God's servant had disobeyed the Lord, and so his deep-water experience was a consequence he had to pay. Sometimes we obey the Lord, and it still happens. Why? And what to do?
We certainly don't have all the answers now--someday we will. Until then, I'm sure there are lessons to be learned "down in the belly of the deep"--and there ARE lessons to be learned from the story of Jonah. He's just "come up" onto shore, he's dripping wet, smelly and sea-weeded, but he's safe, and he sure is smiling, as he heads towards the Well to tell us his side of the story...
Sure, I was DOWN--and I deserved it. Disobedient servant that I was, He did not desert me. Down in the belly of the deep, I found His presence to be real, and to be my only hope. He had me just where He wanted me, and I learned--did I learn! I will never disobey His call again--and I will always remember, however deep and dark are my surroundings, HE IS THERE!
And His presence will be there for you too. Be still enough--long enough--and you will hear His voice of comfort, instruction, guidance and relief. His presence is all you need--and He'll be there for you!
God's power was there!
Sure, I was DOWN--and I deserved it. Helpless that I was, He did not forsake me. I cried out to Him in repentent prayer, He heard, and He rescued me. I had no power to save myself--HOW do you escape from the belly of a big fish! But God--Creator of me AND the big fish--knew exactly what to do. He delivered me up onto dry ground--HIS POWER WAS THERE!
And His power will be there for you too. However impossible the circumstance, however deep the despair, He knows. He can and He will deliver--that's His promise and you can claim it this day. His power is as mighty today--as it was in my day. Believe it--His power will work for you!
God's plan was there!
Sure, I was DOWN--and I deserved it. Distressed as I was, He did not forget me. He had a plan for my life, and as soon as I learned my lesson in the deep, He was ready for me to proceed with that plan. Waiting for God, when you're in the deep, is not fun--but it teaches valuable lessons you'll not learn elsewhere. I learned--DID I learn--and I will forever trust His judgment and His ways, not my own. He had a purpose for it all--GOD'S PLAN WAS THERE!
And His plan will be there for you too. He will rescue you from the "belly of the deep" in His time and in His way--for He has a perfect plan for your life. You're not destined to stay down in the belly of the deep forever. There's an exit passageway planned just for you--just as sure as there was one for me. Believe it--it WILL come to pass.
Are you going through some "down-time" in your life? It's no picnic on the beach, no seaside party--but remember, His presence, His power and His plan are treasures you will find in the deep. Pray--praise--and prepare yourself for what's coming ahead! This TOO shall pass! Take courage and strength--and hope--from Jonah, who's "been there/done that" and survived to serve his Lord...and so will you! Believe it--and have a great week!
"...my prayer is unto thee, O Lord...let me be delivered...out of the deep waters. Let not the wateflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up...hear me, O Lord; for thy lovingkindness is good...hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble. Hear me speedily (Psalm 69:13-17)."
All Scriptures are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.
Copyright 2005 by Peggie C. Bohanon, Springfield, Mo. Used by permission.
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