Jonah 1:17 Now the Lord had prepared appointed, destined a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights.

In the Bible, the book of Jonah is a very small book, but packed full of good information to learn how God works in our lives. But, I’d like to focus on one point mentioned in the Scripture above, “…… Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights.” If you know the story, Jonah was there because he didn’t want to do what God told him to do. In fact, he was going in the opposite direction. God had a specific plan for Jonah to carry out, but He decided to go the other way. Now ultimately Jonah did what God told him to do and the entire city of Nineveh was spared from God’s judgment. The turning point for Jonah was in the belly of a big fish.

So, that’s a nice story, but how does that apply to me? I’m glad you asked. You see, God has a reason for everything He tells you to do. It might be as simple as giving someone a hug or as big as moving to a foreign country. No matter what He says to you, it is your responsibility to do it, no matter how big or small the command is. That hug may be insignificant to you, but it might mean the world to the one you hugged. That person may just realize that someone out there really does care about them and decide not to commit suicide. That foreign country God asked you to go to may just be the key to a revival because of a church you will help build.

Lots of times, we don’t want to do what God says because we like where we are right now. We don’t want to change and move out of our comfort zone. We might even compromise and do what we would like to do instead. It’s difficult at times to follow after God’s will. But, if we are disobedient like Jonah was, God will go to any length to get us where we need to be. The Word says that God prepared a fish for Jonah. Can you imagine being in the belly of a big fish? It was probably dark, smelly, and lonely there. Jonah had to be miserable for those three days and nights. But, he stayed in that belly until he decided to do things God’s way.

What is God telling you to do today? Are you doing what He wants you to do? If so, that’s great. If not, is your life miserable? Does everything around you seem dark and gloomy? Does your life stink right now? Do you feel all alone? If  so, God is waiting on you to make a move and follow after Him. How long will you stay in the belly of the big fish God has prepared for you before you are willing to fulfill the next step in His plan for your life? Once you decide to go His way, mighty things will begin to happen in your life and the lives of those around you. The only thing holding you back right now is you. So, get out there and fulfill His plan for your life today! The results will last for all eternity.