
Embracing the Call: A Daily Devotional with Jonah
Day 1: Running Away from the Call (Jonah 1:1–3)
Scripture:
The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai, saying, “Go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach against it, for their wickedness has come up before me.” But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, found a ship going to Tarshish, and paid his fare to go with them to Tarshish away from the Lord. (Jonah 1:1-3)
Devotional:
Today, we begin our journey with the prophet Jonah. The Lord calls him to a seemingly impossible task – to travel to Nineveh, a city notorious for its wickedness, and preach against it. Jonah, instead of embracing the call, chooses to run away.
Reflection:
- Have there been times in your life when God has called you to do something that seemed daunting or uncomfortable? How did you respond?
- What are some of the ways we might try to “run away” from God’s calling in our lives?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, help us recognize your call in our lives, even when it feels challenging. Give us the courage to face our fears and the obedience to follow your will.
Action Step:
Spend some time in prayer today, asking God to reveal any areas where you might be running away from his calling.
Day 2: The Storm and its Lesson (Jonah 1:4–10)
Scripture:
But the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, causing a violent storm to rise on the sea so that the ship was threatened with breaking up. Then the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his god. They threw the cargo overboard to lighten the ship for them. But Jonah had gone down into the hold of the ship, had lain down, and was fast asleep. So the captain came to him and said, “Get up! Call on your god! Maybe he will consider us, so that we may not perish.” Then they said to one another, “Come, let us draw lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity.” They cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah. (Jonah 1:4-7)
Devotional:
As Jonah continues to flee from God’s call, a fierce storm erupts. The terrified sailors frantically search for the cause of the tempest. When the lots fall on Jonah, the truth is revealed. The storm is a consequence of his disobedience.
Reflection:
- Have you ever experienced difficult circumstances in your life that seemed like a consequence of your choices? How did you respond?
- How can we learn to trust God even during the storms of life?
Prayer:
Lord, forgive us for the times we have chosen our own path instead of yours. Help us see you as our refuge and strength in times of trouble.
Action Step:
Write down a current challenge you are facing. Ask God for wisdom and guidance in navigating this situation, trusting that He is with you through the storm.
Day 3: Facing the Truth, Finding Hope (Jonah 1:11–17)
Scripture:
Then they said to him, “What shall we do to you so that the sea may quiet down for us?” (For the sea was growing more and more turbulent.) He answered them, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will become quiet for you, for I know that it is because of me this violent storm is upon you.” But the sailors were unwilling to throw him overboard. Instead, they tried to row harder to bring the ship to land, but they were not able to do so because the sea was growing more and more turbulent against them. Therefore they cried out to the Lord, “O Lord, please do not let us perish for this man’s life, and do not charge us with innocent blood, for you, O Lord, have done as you pleased.” Then they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea stopped its raging. Then the sailors feared the Lord even more, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows. (Jonah 1:11-16)
Devotional:
Cornered by the storm and overwhelmed by guilt, Jonah finally confesses his disobedience. He acknowledges that the only way to save the sailors is for him to be thrown overboard. With a heavy heart, the sailors comply, and miraculously, the storm subsides.
Reflection:
- How can facing the truth about our choices, even when difficult, lead to freedom and hope?
- What does it mean to trust God’s will, even when we don’t understand it?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, grant us the courage to face our shortcomings and take responsibility for our actions. Help us trust that even in the midst of consequences, you offer forgiveness and a way forward.
Action Step:
Spend some time reflecting on a time you disobeyed God or ignored His call. Ask for His forgiveness and seek His guidance for moving forward.
Day 4: A Second Chance in the Belly of the Fish (Jonah 2)
Scripture:
Then the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights. Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, saying, “I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and he answered me. From the depths of the Sheol I cried for help, and you heard my cry! For you cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the current swept around me. All your waves and breakers passed over me. Then I said, ‘I am cast out of your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’ The waters closed in around me to take my life; the deep surrounded me, the weeds wrapped around my head. I went down to the depths of the mountains; the earth beneath me barred me in forever. But you brought up my life from the pit, O Lord my God. When my life was fainting away, I remembered you, O Lord, and my prayer came to you, to your holy temple. Those who worship worthless idols forsake their unfailing love. But I will with a song of thanksgiving sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will perform. Salvation comes from the Lord.” (Jonah 2:1-9)
Devotional:
Consumed by the great fish, Jonah finds himself in a place of utter darkness and despair. Yet, from this depths, a powerful prayer emerges. He acknowledges his transgression, cries out for help, and expresses a renewed desire to follow God.
Reflection:
- Have there been times in your life when you felt trapped or swallowed by difficult circumstances? How did you find your way back to God?
- How can prayer be a source of hope and renewal even in the midst of despair?
Prayer:
Lord, when we feel lost and swallowed by darkness, be our light and our guide. Help us find the strength to cry out to you, trusting in your love and mercy.
Action Step:
Write down a prayer expressing your current concerns or anxieties. Express your desire to follow God’s will and trust in His plan for your life.
Day 5: A Reluctant Prophet Finds his Mission (Jonah 3)
Scripture:
Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: “Go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the proclamation that I give you.” So Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city, a three days’ walk across. Jonah began to go into the city, having walked for a day, and he proclaimed, “Forty days more and Nineveh will be overthrown!” (Jonah 3:1-4)
Devotional:
With a renewed perspective gained from his ordeal, Jonah finally obeys God’s call. He travels to Nineveh and delivers the message entrusted to him, a stark warning of impending destruction.
Reflection:
- Have there been times in your life when God has given you a second chance to fulfill a calling?
- How can we overcome our reluctance and surrender to God’s will for our lives?
Prayer:
Lord, help us overcome our resistance and embrace the tasks you set before us. Empower us with your courage and guidance as we follow your path.
Action Step:
Reflect on a task or responsibility you might be avoiding. Pray for God’s wisdom and courage to approach it with obedience and faithfulness.
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