Calm Your Storm

Calm Your Storm by Kirk Hunt

Therefore they cried out to the Lord and said, “We pray, O Lord, please do not let us perish for this man’s life, and do not charge us with innocent blood; for You, O Lord, have done as it pleased You.”   So they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging.

Jonah 1:14–15 NKJV
Please also read Jonah 1:1–17

Rank pagans trembled while God’s prophet stood in calm stillness.  The deck pitched violently as the storm continued to rage, threatening the lives of all aboard.  To restore calm, all the sailors had to do was throw a man overboard.

Jonah, a prophet of God, had attempted to flee from his calling and assignment.  God had sent him to Nineveh (see northern Iraq) but Jonah willfully tried to sail to Tarshish (far western Mediterranean).  The storm that enveloped the ship was only a small reflection of God’s judgment and displeasure with his disobedient man.

What task has God given you?  Are you working toward your assignment or trying to run away?  Following God’s purpose will lead to calm and peace.  Sin and rebellion will generate storms and turmoil in your soul.  And the people around you may have to suffer along with you.

God’s purpose is rarely the easy way, but there is always joyous calm on His path.  His love for us is great and He wants us to experience the blessings of obedience.  And there is love in His correction.  He will patiently and lovingly discipline you as long you think it is necessary.

Father-God loved Jonah too much to let him continue in sin and disobedience.  The sailors were ready to be obedient and save the ship and their lives.  Finally, Jonah decided he was ready to throw his sin and rebellion overboard.  Are you ready for calm in your soul?

Think:      What do I need to throw overboard to restore God’s calm in my life?

Pray:         “Lord, help me throw distraction, sin and error out of my life.”

 

Copyright © January 2020, Kirk Hunt

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