As far as following God was concerned, Jonah failed hopelessly. He defiantly did the opposite of what he knew he was supposed to do. But did God reject him? No.
God allowed him to experience failure. Getting thrown overboard and being swallowed by a whale (big fish) brought Jonah to his senses real quick. When he was ready to listen, "the Word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time."
And so it is with us. No matter how many times we feel we've failed or blown it, God will continue to call us to himself. However, it is much wiser to "listen up" quickly so we don't have to get hit over the head with a "four by four"—or be swallowed by a "whale of a problem" for God to get our attention.
So, if you feel you have failed, be encouraged.
Now is the time to give God a chance. "He'll mend even a broken heart if you'll give him all the pieces."
God calls us all to follow him, so why not respond to his call and, if you haven't already done so, ask him to come into your life as Lord and Savior? He can make a much better job of your life than you can if you will trust it to him. For help, be sure to read "How to Know God" in No.10 below.
"Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: 'Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.' Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh" (Jonah 3:1-3).
-richard innes
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