When the fish is ready... but you arent

Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish’s belly. (Jonah 1:17, 2:1)

I read this portion this morning and noticed an interesting detail which I have missed before. If you look at the sequence of events, here's what happened:

1. Jonah jumps off the ship

2. A fish swallows him

3. Jonah prays

4. The fish spits him out

This might be slightly speculative, but the words "the Lord had prepared a great fish..." shows that God had everything planned. But for the plan to succeed, Jonah had to partner with God and do something as well. Granted there wasnt much he could do. But he did what he could inside that fish.. he prayed.

If you read Jonah's prayer, it is truly touching. There's repentance, there's worship, and there's thanksgiving. It was the perfect prayer. We dont know how long or short the prayer was. But we know it was enough for God to continue with part 2 of His plan, and that was to instruct the fish to get Jonah to Nineveh.

We might not always understand why certain things happen in our life. The storms, the pain, the sickness, the struggles. They are all real and has the potential to stop us in our tracks. But know this: There is a God who is sovereign and all wise, who has already planned out everything for your life. And those plans are for your good. As the prophet Jeremiah says about God's plans: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jer 29:11)

But often times, things seem slow or even stuck, because we have done everything except pray. Today, I want to encourage you dear friend. If you are reading this, it is not an accident. It is a call, a challenge, for you to say a word of prayer. God is waiting to hear from you. The "fish" for your life is ready. All you need to do is repent, worship and thank God for all that He has done for you, and is doing in your life.