The Storm Of Correction

Thursday, August 6

Jonah 1:4 (NIV)

“Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up.”

Devoción

In Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Jentezen preached on two types of storms: the storm of correction and the storm of perfection. From today’s passage, Jonah's storm could be classified as the storm of correction. In order for God’s purpose to be fulfilled, He sent the storm that would cause Jonah to turn back to Nineveh and bring God’s people to repentance. Without that storm, Jonah would have probably never gone back.

Many times in our lives, we experience troubles, temptations, and trials like we’ve never seen before, but often God uses them for something glorious. Without Jonah coming out of the fish, the people of Nineveh would have probably viewed him as an ordinary preacher and not listened to him. Assyrian mythology suggests that the Ninevites worshipped gods such as Ea (Enki), who was associated with water and wisdom. Therefore, seeing Jonah emerge from a fish out of the sea would have amazed them, and they must have wondered, if a human could come out of there alive, then his God must be powerful. It must have been a wonder. What seemed like turbulence for the people in the boat resulted in something glorious for the Father's name, for Jesus shall be glorified in all situations.

Some tribulations and trials come as divine discipline. Psalm 103:10 (NIV) says, "He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities." However, God still has ways of correcting and redirecting us when we begin to stray from His purpose for our lives.

Jonah later fulfilled God's purpose, yet he expected God to destroy the Ninevites as He had said. But God didn't, because He showed them mercy. In his defense, Jonah felt wronged that God had relented from punishing them.

In Jonah chapter 4, God showed Jonah a glimpse of what punishment feels like by causing the plant He had provided for Jonah's comfort to wither. As Jonah complained, the Lord asked him:

Jonah 4:10–11 (NIV): "But the Lord said, 'You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?'"

May we never forget that in all our struggles, the Lord sees us, knows all our efforts, and is merciful to lead us through it all. Psalm 34:19 (NIV) reminds us: "The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all."

He will not let you be consumed.

Oración de hoy

Querido Padre Celestial,

I recognize that Your truth and mercy are aspects of Your love. You correct me unto life and for Your purposes. Please forgive me for the times I wanted to go in my own direction. Lord, I surrender to You now and ask that You bring every area of my life into alignment with Your will. I honor and worship You. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Aplíquelo hoy mismo

Worship is an act of faith—to praise the Lord for who He is, not only because of the goodness He has shown you in the past, but because you know Him. In the midst of your day, lift up a prayer of praise to Him, and let everything you do, in word or deed, glorify His name. This will change how you approach life and the storms that come your way.

Recursos

• God’s mercy reaches farther than our failures and His grace saves us completely. Watch “Great Mercy” and be encouraged by the truth of His love, forgiveness, and saving grace.

• Everyone needs a place to belong, heal, and grow. This fall, take the next step toward restoration by joining a Support Group. Whether you’re navigating grief, relationships, parenting, or personal struggles, there’s a place for you.