Many do not understand the storms that are raging against us. Many do not know the different types of storms. In real life some cause tornadoes and others a lot of noise. When things go from bad to worst who do you blame? When our prayers seem to fail who do we blame?
I have learned over the years how to discern in individuals lives which storm is from God, and when it is the enemy. The enemy also can cause storms to pull you away from God. Paul said, "Consider it all joy when you fall into various trials.” You mean I am to consider this a joyful time? Many of us have not weathered the storm and when it comes we run from God. I run after those who are facing the storm, and I choose to go into it with them, lest they fall away! Please, “I beg you to listen.” When you see a man running from God choose to run with him. Lest he fall away, and another soul be lost because he did not understand! Not understanding God will lead many to be lost sheep 2 Timothy 2: Why should I suffer? What we need to understand about Paul was he understood God, he weathered enough storms to know God was in the storm with him. That is why he never feared the storm.
In the life of Jonah the storm was caused by God. I love this story, because for one; he knew his God! If you read this story you see he trusted God. His life expirences told him God was loving and merciful. He lost his fear of God, and came face to face with the storm that he had caused. He knew that storm was from God. He was accustomed to seeing God enough in his life that he understood God was loving and merciful. That means he understood Gods character. He did not waiver in God taking care of him. We see that even more true while being in the belly of the whale. For the love of God put him in the belly of the whale. We also know that whales have a very special stomach lining that protected him while he was in the belly of that whale. That took some thinking on Gods part. That would get my attention and fear God for nothing. If you read that story from a broken heart or from the mindset that God has abandoned you, you will believe God meant harm for him. When the very reason God did bring the wrath was because he loved him. He he also loved the people about to lose their lives the whole 120,000 men, women, children, and animals.
God is not about to lose you over situations that take you away from him. If he has to bring a storm to get your attention he will do it, and no one can save you from God. Discipline is painful at the time but brings refreshing comfort in the morning. Just knowing you are in right standing with God is all the comfort I need after a great trial. This is why Paul said, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials knowing this will produce faith.” Faith is simply trusting God. That he will do all he has said, and promises you. He never promised things would go your way, but that he would lead you to still waters for your soul.