Have you ever found yourself facing so many challenges, that you felt there was no way out? Perhaps, financial problems are weighing you down, or you’re overwhelmed by a strained relationship. Or maybe you’re carrying the heavy burden of regret from a past mistake. Well, I want to encourage you with this: whatever the problem – no matter how deep you feel that you’ve sunk – you’re not too far that God can’t reach you.

Our God is a God of second chances and He can turn things around for you in the blink of an eye. But, sometimes, the trouble in our lives serves a godly purpose. In fact, have you considered that what you’re facing right now may be God’s way of getting your attention? That’s what happened in the Book of Jonah.

In Jonah 1:2 (NKJV), God commands Jonah, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.” Jonah, feeling that the task was too great for him, boards a ship to flee from what God instructed him to do. While trying to escape, Jonah got caught in a great storm, thrown overboard, and stuck in the belly of a big fish. In his despair, Jonah turned to God and prayed for mercy. God responded to his request by ordering the whale to spit him out onto dry land. Jonah then obeyed God, prophesied to Nineveh, and lead the entire city to repentance! The obedience of just one man impacted an entire city.

Sometimes, it can be hard to tell what lesson God is trying to teach us, but remember: there is no sin too great for God’s mercy. If God can turn night into morning every day, He can certainly turn your situation around. So, next time you feel like you’ve been swallowed up by life’s problems, stop running and turn to your Heavenly Father, who’s shaking with anticipation, waiting for you to obey, so He can bless you!

Live Big!

Dr. Derek Grier

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Next Time Might be Your Turn

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