Devotion

Cause or Casualty?
by Evangelist Angelique T. Black

"Then they said unto him, What shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us? for the sea wrought and was tempestuous. And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you." Jonah 1:11-12 

There are certain areas in our lives where we don't obey God. Whether it be our callings, our associations, our jobs, etc. God is a god who will:

1. not be ignored
2. not play games with us
3. not allow us to disobey Him
4. not jeopardize His children's lives 

Jonah was called of God to speak a specific Word to the city of Ninevah. Ninevah was a great city that was running amuck and taking the Word of God for granted. This city was known as the "Robber City" because they stole other countries riches and divided it among themselves. God could have used anyone to speak to Ninevah, but he chose Jonah. The thing that God has for you to do will only be completed by you. He has a specific plan for each life and gives us the ability to carry out the task. Not only did he call Jonah, but He wanted Jonah. How blessed we are to be wanted by God! He is so omnipotent that He doesn't need us to accomplish anything for Him, but thanks be unto God, He still desires to use us. 

Jonah was in a state of rebellion. How familiar we are with it, when we do what we chose and not what the Lord chooses. When we go places He tells us to stay out of, or hang out with people that he has separated us from. Just like so many of us, Jonah knew the way and decided to run from the voice of God. The Lord wasn't going to allow Jonah to run for long, just like you and me. He'll let us go so far and then with His loving hand, reel us right back to Him. Not only did Jonah run, but he tried to get comfortable in his rebellion. Does this sound familiar? Resting in a place of where you aren't supposed to be? Are you becoming complacent in a state that is far from where God has called you to be?  

What you must realize is that just like Jonah, your rebellion can put someone else in jeopardy. He knew that the storm was sent by God to quicken his disobedient spirit. The ship was full of people who had nothing to do with the issue between Jonah and God. He brought them into it unknowingly. That is exactly what some of us do. We use people and circumstances to disobey God. We bring innocent parties into our issues, causing their lives to suffer because of our rebellion. There is a flip side to this as well. You may be a passenger on the ship, not knowing why your life is being tossed to and fro. Not understanding why you are suffering when seemingly, you have done everything to the best of you ability. Rest assured, God has you in the palm of His hand and He will bring you to safety. 

Jonah realized that he was the cause of people's suffering and immediately rectified the situation. He told the people to throw him off of the ship and they would be saved. This is what we, as Christians, should have the compassion to do. Acknowledge our disobedience and release the strongholds of the enemy. In freeing ourselves, we will in turn free others. In turning away from sin, we can turn others towards God. 

Are you the cause of someone's storm or are you a casualty in a tempestuous situation? If you're the cause, be obedient to the call of God for your life and totally surrender to Him. The longer you wait, the more lives you hold in your hands. If you are a casualty, hold on and know that God is working the situation out on your behalf. He will take care of you in the midst of the storm until it passes over.  

Remember, all storms pass. All wounds heal. All things work together for the good, no matter how it looks now. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  

About the Author

Evangelist Angelique T. Black is a member of the Love Fellowship Tabernacle. She is faithful member serving on the Women Ministerial staff as an Evangelist, President of the Praise & Worship Team, and a Youth Empowerment Teacher. She is an avid teacher and lover of the Word. Contact info: ablac@h-s.com or mamalique@juno.com.