Draw Near – 365 Guides to Greater Intimacy with GodSample

DRAGGED There is a humorous story about the man who fell off a galloping horse. His foot caught in the stirrup and the horse dragged him for four miles. He ended up in the hospital badly bruised. Later he told a friend about the incident saying, "You know, I hadn't gone but about two or three miles before I figured out something was really wrong." Jonah was apparently as dense as the man dragged by the horse. He disobeyed God, sought his own way, and ended up in deep trouble. Yet, he apparently did not repent of his evil until he had been in the fish's stomach for some time. Finally, he came to himself and prayed (Jonah 2). God heard him and deposited him near the city to which he was to preach. We can learn some important lessons from Jonah. First, regardless of how unpleasant a task God asks us to do, we should do it. Our rebellion will always bring about something far more unpleasant. And, we also can learn God still forgives our disobedience if we pray. Today, may we pray that we will willingly follow the Lord in His desire for our lives. Paul learned it was hard to kick against the goads. God's way is always best.