The account of the prophet Jonah is both fascinating and instructive. Of course, the “fascinating” part has to do with the great fish that swallowed Jonah and housed him in its stomach for three days and three nights before vomiting him up unto dry land. But here are a number of “instructive” lessons to be learned in the four chapters of this book. I think the main one is this: when God leads us to do something for Him, no matter how unreasonable it might seem to us, just do it...don't take time to negotiate or reason it out...just do it. Jonah was commissioned by God to reach out to Israel's cruel, brutal, murderous enemy in Nineveh with a message of warning for judgment of sin and the need for repentance. Jonah was looking for vengeance...God was about demonstrating His mercy. The prophet not only needed to learn about God's mercy, but he needed to learn the lesson of uncompromising obedience. So do we. By that I mean, when God gives us clear direction regarding His will, in our trust of Him and His plan, we obey. No negotiations...no rationalizations...just do it...just obey it. God's glorious work will unfold due to our obedience. Disobedience might result in some “fish time.”

Today's My Utmost for His Highest speaks to this lesson:

“Sometimes we step right out in faith and walk happily along. Then self-consideration comes in, and down we go. If we are keeping our sights on our Lord, it doesn't occur to us to worry about ourselves or our circumstances. The circumstances of our lives simply are. It's only when we focus on them that we become overwhelmed. We lose sight of Jesus and receive his rebuke: “Why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31).

Let circumstances be what they are. Keep looking to Jesus, maintaining complete reliance on him. If you begin to debate when God has spoken, it's all over. Never say, “I wonder if that really was God speaking.” Be reckless. The second you hear God's voice, fling yourself out in faith. You do not know when God's voice will come, but whenever you sense it, even in the faintest way imaginable, recklessly abandon all to him. It is only by abandoning yourself that you learn to trust the Lord. You will hear his voice more clearly through recklessness.”

In 1882, Louisa Stead wrote the words of this familiar hymn which highlight our “Truth Matters” today and should be our continual prayer:

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus
Just to take Him at His Word
Just to rest upon His promise
Just to know, "Thus saith the Lord"

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus
Just to take Him at His Word
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend
And I know that He is with me
Will be with me to the end

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus
Oh, for grace to trust Him more

Walk with the King today and be a blessing.