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Day 19: Jonah

Read: Jonah 1:1-17, 3:1-10

Think: None of us can relate to being swallowed by a fish, but all of us can relate to running from what God has called us to do. Although stepping out of our comfort zones and obeying God can take a great deal of courage and strength upfront, look at the miracle we are choosing to miss out on if we say no! When Jonah finally went to Nineveh and warned them of God’s imminent judgment, the entire city repented and was saved. Scholars say that there could have been 150,000 people saved simply because Jonah finally obeyed!

Hope: “The Lord…is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT) God was patient with Jonah and He was patient with the Ninevites. Because of Jesus, we don’t have to face the wrath that our sin deserves. How comforting that God isn’t waiting with lightning bolts to strike us down when we mess up! Instead, He gently calls us to learn from our mistakes and turn toward Him!

Pray: God, give me the courage to go and tell others about what you did through Jesus on the cross. Although I may want to run and avoid awkwardness at all costs, you are already softening people’s hearts to hear and receive your grace. Help me to obey you right away!

Apply: Bake and bring cookies to your neighbors. Use the opportunity to bless them and invite them to church.