This Terrible storm is all my Fault

S: ““Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.” But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the LORD. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the LORD by sailing to Tarshish. But the LORD hurled a powerful wind over the sea, causing a violent storm that threatened to break the ship apart.

“Why has this awful storm come down on us?” they demanded. “Who are you? What is your line of work? What country are you from? What is your nationality?” Jonah answered, “I am a Hebrew, and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land.” The sailors were terrified when they heard this, for he had already told them he was running away from the LORD. “Oh, why did you do it?” they groaned.

“Throw me into the sea,” Jonah said, “and it will become calm again. I know that this terrible storm is all my fault.””

Jonah 1:2-4, 8-10, 12 NLT

“Now the LORD had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights.” Jonah 1:17 NLT

“As my life was slipping away, I remembered the LORD. And my earnest prayer went out to you in your holy Temple.

But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the LORD alone.” Then the LORD ordered the fish to spit Jonah out onto the beach.” Jonah 2:7, 9-10 NLT

“This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. So he complained to the LORD about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, LORD? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.” Jonah 4:1-2 NLT

http://bible.com/116/jon.4.1-2.nlt

http://bible.com/116/jon.2.7,9-10.nlt

http://bible.com/116/jon.1.17.nlt

http://bible.com/116/jon.1.2-4,8-10,12.nlt

O: The other guys in the boat believe in other gods, but knew the power of the God of Israel.

God allowed him to be stuck in a fish for 3 days and 3 nights. I'm fasting for 3 days and 3 nights. (I'm just saying, my God is awesome.) 

Jonah was so stubborn, he waited until his life was slipping away to pray earnestly to God about fulfilling what God  called him to do. Only then did God allow him to be spat out of the fishes belly.

Jonah's message to Nineveh wasn't for them, It was for Jonah.

I am not fully aware of the entire story of Jonah. However, thus far it's about him and his relationship with God. God is aware of who Nineveh is, wickedness and all. Yet he gave a message to Jonah and Jonah failed to listen and ran from his calling. Then after God went back on his word because of the cities response Jonah becomes upset. Making an excuse. He ran from obeying Gods command because he knew God would change his mind. Jonah doesn't realize the impact he has. With one word he change a whole city back to God. What a man that a city of its size. In chapter 4:11 Nineveh was a great city of 120,000 people. Would believe in Jonah and fast and turn their ways around. What a God!

A: What a God indeed. He knows our situation, nothing has caught him by surprise. He knows we will be great! Yet we are in most of a storm. Not because of what John has done, but because I haven't obeyed Gods message. There was one day I'm excited to receive Gods blessings from my obedience. Then the next day I forgot all God can do through me. I have a message to give and can only be spoken through action. I have to be the true Liz. This fast was to do just that. Realign my identity and most importantly my heart back with God.

P: Oh God of heaven! You in all your might called me by name. You gave me a unique gift and a special one of a kind way to use it. Yet I have put my will of my husbands salvation above your will for my life. I am making a huge sacrifice in fasting from not just food, but my biggest weakness. Yet it's meaningless if I don't obey your commands. Give me a new perspective, your perspective. When you spit me out may I fulfill your calling your way, not mine or complain that Johns transformation isn't going my way. It's not about me. Deliver me from the attachment of John to allow both of us to grow. Thank you for being  so awesome! I love you Lord. Forgive me for not being fully obedient. Please don't reject me. I have come here and will continue my journey, please do what you have promised, In Jesus name, amen.