Jonas 2:9

A coincidence is an accident. It’s randomly finding a $20 bill on a sidewalk because you decided to begin your New Year’s resolution on that beautiful July morning. The good news is that God’s plan, including those He uses within it, is not filled with accidents, randomness, or coincidences. This 4-day plan will show how everyone despite their failures can find purpose when surrendered to the plan of God.

Jonah’s story reminds us that God’s compassion extends to both the prideful prophet and the wicked unbeliever. Despite all of Jonah’s resistance and hard-heartedness, God’s merciful message of repentance was still delivered to the Ninevites. The Ninevites' repentance shows us nothing can thwart God's plans of redemption.

The more I study Jonah, the clearer it is to me that there is wisdom to strengthen and grow marriages today. From Jonah's disobedience to God as the story begins all the way to the lessons he receives about compassion as the book closes, I think you will see how these principles can help you as a couple deepen your connection and overcome your marriage challenges.

Over the course of five days, read through the entire book of Jonah alongside theologically rich passages from the ESV Expository Commentary: Daniel—Malachi: Volume 7.