Lost in Faith

Jonah was upset that his reputation (his image) would be hurt because what he had predicted would happen to Nineveh (destruction) wasn’t going to happen because of God’s mercy and forgiveness. A prophet, who often heard from God, was going to be WRONG. And yet, Jonah knew God well enough to know He is a God who “relents from sending calamity” and is “slow to anger”.

How often I am just like Jonah and more concerned about my reputation or image then I am about God’s plans. I am often self-absorbed and not overly concerned about God’s love and patience for those who are not in His family yet. I can imagine being upset over the vine dying all the while the people of Nineveh were destined for destruction. Like Jonah, I can be involved in the “work of God” (he did finally go and talk to the Ninevites) but often my deep passion and purpose (behind the work) isn’t even close to God’s passion and purpose for the work. In other words, I do the work without passion for others and without really being involved.

God, I pray that you continue to soften my heart. Help me to love people more like you do. To be gracious, compassionate and patient– just like You.