Jonah found himself in a situation that was the direct result of his own disobedience. However, being that God is a God of grace, He found a way to take what Jonah meant for evil and turn it into good. The storm, which was the consequence of Jonah’s sin, became the instrument of his eventual repentance and redirection. The truth is “storms” are an inevitable part of life, but their destructiveness can sometimes hinge on our response. They can either shake us to our core, leaving us fractured and resentful, or they can shape us into stronger, more resilient people.
There are some storms that shake us. These are the trials that breed bitterness, the adversities that erode our faith, and the hardships that leave us feeling victimized. In Jonah’s case, he initially resisted the storm, clinging to his disobedience. At this point, he probably felt anger and fear, maybe even a little righteous indignation. When storms shake us, we often focus on the injustice of our circumstances, and the unfairness of our suffering. We become fixated on the waves crashing around us, the darkness of our path, and the overwhelming sense of helplessness. This perspective leads to a downward spiral, where despair and cynicism take root, preventing us from seeing the potential for growth and transformation.
There are also storms that shape us. These are trials that build character, the adversities that deepen our empathy, and the hardships that strengthen our resolve. Jonah’s experience, though initially marked by resistance, ultimately led to a profound transformation. Within the belly of the great fish, he confronted his disobedience, acknowledged his dependence on God, and ultimately repented. In other words, the “storm” of the great fish ended up shaping him into a more obedient and compassionate servant. When storms shape us, we embrace God’s constant invitation toward change and growth.
The choice is clear. Will we allow the storms of life to shake us, leaving us shattered and disillusioned? Or will we embrace them as opportunities for growth, allowing them to shape us into individuals who take the opportunity to change and grow? Like Jonah, you may initially resist the storm, but I want you to know that you have the capacity to learn and grow from anything that life throws your way. By choosing humility, repentance, and faith, we can allow the storms to shape us into who God wants us to be.
Josh Rose
Family Pastor