+DEV+ Living Spiritually Strong

Date: July 6, 2009 8:41 PM

Topic: +DEV+ Living Spiritually Strong

Living Spiritually Strong

“Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good.” (Jonah 2:8-9).

Scripture Focus: Jonah 2:1-10

Nineveh was a very important city that was soon to become the capital of the Assyrian empire. Jonah, who despised the powerful and wicked empire, was called by God to warn the Assyrians that they would receive judgment if they did not repent. He didn’t want the assignment, so he ran from God. But God has ways of teaching us to obey and follow Him. He got Jonah’s attention through a storm and kept his attention in the belly of a fish.

I’m intrigued by Jonah’s prayer, especially his final words: “Salvation comes from the Lord.” It was a prayer of thanksgiving and affirmation of God’s faithfulness and availability, even in Jonah’s failure. He realized that nothing could separate one of God’s own from Himself and no situation could prevent a sincere prayer from being heard by God. Jonah gave in and admitted where his salvation came from.

The experience taught him to trust God and live spiritually strong. When we know what God wants us to do, we need to obey, not run. He will have the final word!

Insight: God wants more than an up-and-down spiritual life for us. Look to God at all times and live spiritually strong.