Jonah: When in Doubt, Pray it Out

Big Idea: Prayer is not our last resort, it’s our first response.

Intro

Jonah 1

Run from God or Run to God.

Called to preach at Nineveh: (Assyrain City)

Tarshish - Ninevah = 2,000 miles

On a boat, storm hits

Thrown overboard

Word

Jonah 1:12 NIV

12 “Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.”

Jonah refused to repent or aknowledge his sin with the the Lord, instead he doubles down and says throw me over the boat! Here’s where we left off last week

Jonah 1:17 NIV

17 Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

At first glance this doesn’t seem like provision, this seems like punishment doesn’t it? Getting swallowed by a fish doesn’t seem like provision.

However remember last week. Jonah is in this position bc of his own actions. He refused to follow the commands of the Lord and he choose to get on the boat. He told the fishermen to throw him overboard.

That’s why is says the Lord provided, Jonah was trying to commit suicide, however the Lord stepped in and provided a huge fish to save him.

Sometimes what we call punishment is actually God’s provision.

Here’s a principle that I learned way too late in my life…

God cares more about your holiness than he does your happiness.

He wants you to be happy sure, but holiness is more important.

Holiness — separation from sin and devotion to God.

Now, what happens next is something we can all relate to, whether you’re a Jesus follower or not.

Jonah 2:1–7 NIV

1 From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God.

Prayer often comes most naturally when life feels the most out of control.

Jonah 2:1–7 NIV

2 He said: “In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry. 3 You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. 4 I said, ‘I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’ 5 The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. 6 To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit. 7 “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.

Notice something here, things got really bad for Jonah. He has turned away from the Lord and now he is drifting at sea…and he was drowning. That’s when the fish comes to save him. He’s telling the story.

“Lord, I need your help…”

Have you been there before? Maybe you’re there now…

Son who walked away from faith.

Daughter who is with a guy you know is not good for her.

Financial situation is pretty bad and you’re not sure how you can get out of it.

The marriage is struggling, not just a little, a lot and you’re not sure what the next step is.

Let me tell those words are some of the most honest and powerful words you could ever pray.

“Lord, I need your help…”

God hears those prayers. Even when like Jonah you got yourself into the trouble. Even when it’s your fault, God hears those prayers.

Jonah 2:8–9 NIV

8 “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. 9 But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’ ”

Notice the shift? Life is hard, things are hard but Lord I am turning to you.

Verse 9 is Jonah coming back to God. Returning to his calling as the prophet.

Jonah 2:10 NIV

10 And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

Application

I want you to notice something, when things got bad. Jonah got to praying. Whatever your circumstance, problem or issue it’s more spiritual than your giving credit for. And, God is full control of everything.

Prayer is not our last resort, it’s our first response.

Pray First

We worry — we pray.

We stress — we pray.

We fear — we pray.

We can’t pay the bills — we pray.

Marriage is on the rocks — we pray.

Son has left the faith — we pray.

Things are going good — we pray.

We are scared of the dr report — we pray.

Prayer is not our last resort, it’s our first response.

What do you need prayer for today?

Prayer team down front on this next song come forward and prepare to respond. (Coordinate this with Heather and during the service huddle).