Jonah 1:12b (CJB) “I know it’s my fault that this terrible storm has come over you.”
Jonah didn’t want to obey God, so he got on a ship going in the opposite direction. What did God do? He sent a storm so violent it threatened to tear the ship to pieces.
Dangerous and stormy waters are one of several reasons sailors need lighthouses. But reading Jonah chapter 1, had me thinking less about lighthouses and more about how our choices bring storms “over” others.
I grew up hearing the quote, “No man is an island unto himself.” But it’s easy to forget that, isn’t it? It’s easy to think our choices don’t really affect others.
It’s easy to dismiss the slight bump we make against others and the subsequent movement in their lives. We don’t even consider the choppy waters we’re creating. We’re oblivious to our decision’s impact on them. We’re like Jonah, sleeping below decks and blissfully unaware.
Meanwhile, their lives have been turned broadside to the waves. The possibility of capsizing increased exponentially. Lives in danger of being torn apart.
Jonah confessed and was thrown overboard. The seas calmed immediately and the sailors were “seized with great fear of Adonai, they offered a sacrifice to Adonai and made vows.” (v 16)
The sailors experienced the sovereign, all-seeing might of God that day. They understood more of who He is. Oh! Jonah didn’t die, just in case you’ve never heard his story.
The book of Jonah is a great read; one I find easy to relate to. His book is about rebellion, repentance, obedience, and even petulance over God being as gracious with others as He is with us.
Why is it we want God to forgive us our sins and punish others for theirs? That’s a question for next week!
Today, I’m asking myself how my choices are influencing the lives around me. Am I ignoring the impact of my influence because I want my own way?
How about you? Have you found yourself in a storm of another’s making? How did it reveal something new about God to you? How has it changed your life going forward? Has it caused you to consider others before making your decisions?
Yes! That’s it. Seeing Him instead of the storm!!!
While navigating through my own storms my goal is to be focused on Christ. Right now I feel like my job is to fervently wait and watch… and NOT become distracted by the storm itself.
Amen!
I often think of the ripple effect of actions, usually in a positive manner. Jonah is a great reminder that our choices can bring waves that might wash over others as well.
My prayer today is to be mindful of others navigating in the same water and how my actions might effect them.