Jonah 4:1-3

King James Version (KJV)

“But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry.

And he prayed unto the Lord, and said, I pray thee, O Lord, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.

Therefore now, O Lord, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.”

Today,  I am Jonah.  I am exceedingly displeased, and very angry.  

Why?

Because, I have yet to learn, how to submit to, and obey the Lord.   I am full of pride, selfishness, and ego.  I am not humble, teachable, pliable…  

I am not a useable vessel for the Lord.

“Therefore now, O Lord, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.”

If I am not yet a useable vessel, will I ever become one?

Jonah was sent to preach repentance, to a people who had fallen away.  He claimed to know better, that they would repent and therefore, there was no reason for him to go.

Truth is, he didn’t like those people, and really, who cares if they get  destroyed?

I believe I was sent to this UMC, to bring them into an understanding, that God is bigger, more personal, more powerful, more relevant in our lives.

I have fallen in love with this people, I want them to know the blessings of walking with the Lord.   The peace that passes understanding, the joy unspeakable and full of glory.

I am a failure.   Take me home Lord.  It is better for me to die than live.

Do I mean it?   Sometimes, but I get over it.  I repent, ask forgiveness, turn to the Lord, and cry help.

Someday, soon I pray, the Lord will see fit to allow me the pulpit, to share what He has taught me.

To grow His body, the church.  Aparently, my compassion is lacking.   lol

Pray for me, please.