When All Else Fails

 He did everything possible to escape God but could not. It was not until he was in the great fish’s belly for three days and nights that Jonah sought the Lord and confessed: “When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord” (Jonah 2:7). He prayed, and God heard and delivered him.

Before we are too quick to judge God’s reluctant prophet, have we never wearied ourselves by doing our best to handle challenging decisions, tasks, or unsavory situations? What did it take to come to our senses and pray to the Almighty for help? Hearing someone comment, “When all else fails, pray,” must hurt our heavenly Father’s heart.

Why is calling on God’s power and authority sometimes the last resort? Pride? Rebellion? Lack of faith? Is it because we don’t want to bother Him or think our circumstances don’t merit His attention? Or do we believe we are strong and wise enough to handle life ourselves? Whatever our reasons, we are wrong. Don’t wait like Jonah to “remember the Lord.” Seek God and pray for help before all else fails. Praise Him for His love and mercy, that He is nearby, hears humble requests, and rescues.