Destiny

Why didn’t Jonah jump into the water if he knew that would quiet the life-threatening storm instead of asking his fellow seamen to throw him overboard and spare them the anguish and guilt they experienced? God’s providence. Jonah tried to run from God and knew the storm they were in resulted from his disobedience. He told the sailors about his defiance, introducing them to God, who was Master over the wind, sea, and all creation, and unless they threw him into the raging sea he caused, they would die with him. The men cried out to the One True God rather than the helpless gods they knew, yet the storm raged. Then they threw Jonah into the water, and at once, the storm stopped. They were amazed by God’s power, made sacrifices to Him there in the boat, vowing to serve Him (Jonah 1:1–16)—God’s purposes fulfilled.

We can run but can’t hide from God; disobedience can generate unwanted disturbances that affect not only us but sometimes innocent bystanders as well. Before those life upsets end, the sin that caused them must be confessed and abandoned: “I acknowledged my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid” (Psalm 32:5a). Only by repenting—turning back to God—followed by obedience to His instructions will God’s purpose-driven discipline cease. People affected by your circumstances or those who witness them may come to know and trust the One True God by your submission to the Lord. God’s providence.