Making Believers!

Jonah was a BELIEVER sent on a mission. Nineveh needed to BELIEVE the severity of their condition and the wrath of God ready to be unleashed upon them. But what impact was Jonah’s choice presently saying about his BELIEF? It appears he did not take God’s calling seriously. He heard, but refused to obey.

When we make such choices, what does that say to non-BELIEVERS? Would they assume we really do not BELIEVE God? And wouldn’t this be for us to live and make choices as if there were no God? Does that make us appear any better than an atheist?

Those who had taken Jonah on board began to believe that Jonah’s God must be powerful. These sailors began to realize their gods were not responding to their prayers and neither the sailors nor their gods were any match for the tempest they faced. It was with reluctance, even asking the forgiveness of Jonah’s God, that the sailors threw Jonah from the ship.

“(14) Therefore they called out to the LORD, ‘O LORD, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not on us innocent blood, for you, O LORD, have done as it pleased you.’ (15) So they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. (16) THEN THE MEN FEARED THE LORD EXCEEDINGLY, AND THEY OFFERED A SACRIFICE TO THE LORD AND MADE VOWS.” ( Jonah 1:14-16 ESV)

It was God’s power, rather than a message from Jonah, that made BELIEVERS and worshippers of these men. This is the way of God’s power; it ultimately makes BELIEVERS. But God’s desire is for His power to be evident in our lives that others will BELIEVE our testimony about Him and see the true life He has brought to us. Is His power evident? Does our faith give testimony to God’s power working in our lives?

Paul encouraged the Ephesian brethren with these words:
“(18) having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, (19) and what is THE IMMEASURABLE GREATNESS OF HIS POWER TOWARD US WHO BELIEVE, according to the working of his great might (20) that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,” ( Ephesians 1:18-20 ESV)

There are many things people place their BELIEF and trust in today. May others see in our lives that God and His power are the only match for the tempests we face in life.

Have a great day ALLOWING GOD’S POWER TO BE EVIDENT IN YOUR LIFE.
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Jonah