As I lean into the coming changes within my life, I have often found myself wondering, “What if I make the wrong choice?” or “What if the Lord asks me to do something I don’t want to do?”. These thoughts have overwhelmed me and wrecked my inner peace more than I would like to admit. It wasn’t until I re-read the story of Jonah and the Whale with new eyes that I remembered the intricacy of God’s plan in each moment. Jonah provides the perfect example of how the Lord never changes His will for our lives, rather it is us who experience a change in disposition, allowing us to better surrender to His plan.
A few weeks ago, the daily mass readings centered around the story of Jonah and the Whale. Admittedly, when reading this story in the past, I viewed God as a disciplinary parent forcing Jonah to “sit in this corner of a big fish and think about what you’ve done”. However, as I dove into these readings, piece by piece, I realized how similar Jonah’s story can be to our daily lives. When I read the story in light of the lack of control I feel in my own life, I saw past his initial reluctance and found a beautiful example of God’s providence, control, and love for each of us. The Lord knows what He needs Jonah to do, and He does not change His mind when Jonah runs in fear. The Lord does not change His will, He changes the disposition of the one He calls.
In our own lives, or mine at least, I often fear that if I am not saying an active “yes” to the Lord, I will be abandoned and considered a hopeless cause. I forget the Lord knows what I will do before I do, and as a result, I live in a lack of trust that He knows exactly what He is asking of me. Jonah is the same. Yet, as Jonah runs, he is not deserted. The Lord goes with him and creates opportunities to turn his fear and reluctance into courage and humility. Not only is Jonah asked to have courage and humility in admitting he caused a storm for three fishermen, but he learns to surrender as he lies lifeless in the belly of a fish. (Talk about pruney fingers, am I right). Immediately after running from responsibility, Jonah has the opportunity to turn back and take accountability for the storm. Furthermore, Jonah’s example of fear as he struggles to accept the Lord’s will for his present and future proves to be an example of faith for those around him. Jonah is far from perfect, yet his life shows the power of God and convert the hearts of three men. Even at his worst, Jonah is a vessel for God. The Lord placed him exactly where he could both grow in virtue and aid others in their own lives. Jonah still must do a difficult task in the end, but in working endlessly, the Lord has prepared Jonah’s heart to say “yes” to what is asked.
The Lord does not forget us when we fear what is to come. When we choose to run despite our desire to follow His will, Christ is with us in each moment, and here is the bottom line:
- If the Lord has asked you to do something you feel you cannot do, carry on with courage. He will step in where you would otherwise fail. In most cases, when God asks us to do something, it is not inherently about us at all, and accepting humbly what the Lord asks of you is an incredible way to surrender each moment to the Lord.
- You do not have to know what God is preparing you for to know He is preparing you. Just because the only thing you see in front of you is the gross plaque of a whale’s teeth (the unappealing pieces of your present) does not mean the Lord has forgotten you. You are being led to something greater always, and how you live and grow today prepares you for where the Lord will take you.
- Life will always be difficult, but this is not a bad thing when approached with an open mind. Difficult moments can be run from or used as opportunities to grow in virtue, the choice is yours. When we use unpleasant moments to grow in virtue and change our disposition to one of peaceful acceptance, we change not only our own hearts but those witnessing our lives.
We will never understand the intricacy of God’s plan, and the Lord rarely asks us to do easy things. Yet even in our fear, the Lord works for our good, remains in control, and does not forget us. Though we may not know what we are being prepared for, this does not mean we are not vessels for God’s glory in the present. The Lord will never change you can be sure of that, but we are ever-changing, and praise God for that!
So, as you face the difficulties of today, tomorrow, and the weeks to come, remember the Lord is in control and working to mold your heart into a chamber of His love and joy. You are being prepared for something greater, and the Lord is worthy of your trust. Take heart, you can do this! (and even if all goes horribly, at least you’re not sitting in a whale… am I right or am I right?)
All my love and prayers,
Monica +JMJ+
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