Wendy and Jonah

Relating to Jonah in a "Big Fish" Kinda Way

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering…and above all these things put on charity…and let the peace of God rule in your hearts…and be thankful.” Colossians 3: 12-15

Is there a person from the Bible that you seem to connect to at different times in your life?  I have to share a story regarding how I began to see myself, at times, as a "Jonah." 

 

Oh, yes, I am sure I have even had that expression while talking to God and sharing my list of  "I can't" reasons with Him.

 

Yes, I've even asked "Why MY vine?  Why did the worm have to eat MINE?"

On another note here, I think it is so amazing that God used one of His biggest (the big fish)and smallest creatures (the worm) when He was teaching Jonah.  It is such a reminder to me that we need not place limits on ourselves when God calls us to follow Him.  He provides us with all we need--HIM!

 

About fifteen years ago, the Lord sent the Colonel (then a Captain) and me to Estill, SC, to live.  I gladly, and even excitedly packed our belongings and five week old Rooster and headed to the low country of South Carolina.  It was there at the primary school in Allendale that I met some of the most wonderful friends I have ever had.  It was at Allendale Primary where I met Delores Baker who became not only my mentor but also a true CHRISTian friend--a forever friend.  So often I would walk into Delores' room and share something funny, profound, shocking, or upsetting.  She was and is such an incredible listener.  Many times, I would run over to her room and share what was going on in my life. How I just did NOT want to do "such-n-such."  I always had a long list of reasons why I couldn't do "whatever."  Delores would quietly listen to me--never interrupting my reasonings and ponderings.  She would just look at me and say, "You remember what happened to Jonah, don't you?"  But...but...but....Then I would get, "Go ahead and miss your blessing and end up in the big fish."  But...but...but...  Delores had to remind me of Jonah's plight so many times that it finally got to the point where I would finish my "story," we would look at each other and both say--"JONAH!"  I can still see and hear her calling me Jonah when I KNOW God is calling me to do something I don't really want to do.  Yes, there are times that I am still such a Jonah.   I still sit under my vine and tell God all the reasons why I can't do whatever He is calling me to do.  I get angry at the worm eating my vine.  Why MY vine?  (And then I also hear Delores asking me "why not your vine?")  However, I am thankful that I have grown in my faith to take a deep breath and see what used to be "interruptions" as "divine interventions."  I also hear Delores' parting words that I used to hear as I left her room:  Remember, Wendy, if God brings you to it; He'll see you through it.   I thank God for his patience, love, mercy and abundant grace.