Sometimes we cause our own trouble through disobedience. This was the case with Jonah. God gave him an instruction that he didn’t like so Jonah decided to disobey. Jonah’s disobedience caused a storm that affected everyone on the ship he took away from God’s will. Jonah knew the storm was because of him and asked to be thrown overboard. As soon as the crew got Jonah off the boat, the see subsided.
Obeying God is required. Those who have a healthy fear of the Lord want to obey the Lord. When we have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us, we want to do right. When we have a problem obeying God, we need to tap into the “do right” ability of the Holy Spirit who always leads us to righteousness.
If we don’t choose what’s right, God will send correction. For Jonah that correction was in the form of a storm and a large fish. Unbelievers expect us to do what is right, even when they don’t. Unbelievers know that Christians are supposed to be Christlike.
- 3 John 1:11 New King James Version – Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.
Ask yourself: “What should I be doing concerning my relationship with God?” Jonah knew what he needed to do, so he repented. Sometimes we make decisions without seeking God. We must obey God’s instructions even when we don’t understand why.
- Jonah 1:9 & 12 New King James Version – 9 So he said to them, “I am a Hebrew; and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.…12 And he said to them, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will become calm for you. For I know that this great tempest is because of me.”
If we really love God, we will obey Him. God wants obedience without delay. Obedience is moving now–as soon as God gives the instruction.
- 1 John 5:2-3 New King James Version – 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.
God honors obedience. When we step out in faith to obey God, He will strengthen us to do His will.