Prepared Belly by Kirk Hunt
Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.
Jonah 1:17 NKJV
The fish, large enough to swallow a man (or woman) whole, met Jonah at the appointed time and place. The belly, prepared by God, gave an intimate residence to God’s prophet. For 72 hours, Jonah had the time and opportunity to consider who is in charge of whom.
Moses stood before a burning bush. Elijah heard a still, small voice. An angel appeared to Gideon. To men and women who are not resisting Him, God speaks and they give their attention readily. For those who resist Him, God creates circumstance that command your attention.
Keep in mind that resisting God is not the same thing as rejecting God. Jonah, as a prophet had accepted his calling from God. Still the prophet decided to be disobedient and resistant to God’s will. Jonah decided he did not want to be obedient regarding Nineveh, but did not reject God altogether. Jonah wanted his own way and to retain his place and privilege with God.
In the belly of the fish, God gave Jonah the time and space to consider his decisions and choices. God prepared a place and (cramped) space for Jonah to remember who is in charge of creation. Under God’s gracious discipline, Jonah remembered that mere men ought to obey God the first time He speaks.
God’s discipline helps us remember who is supposed to obey whom. The prepared belly of a circumstance is from God’s love and grace. Take the opportunity to end your resistance to hear and obey Him.
Think: Does God have my attention? How might God command my attention?
Pray: “Lord, I want to listen and attend to You, when You speak to me.”
Copyright © February 2020, Kirk Hunt
This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.