When God relents from destroying Nineveh, Jonah accuses Him of doing a “great evil.” Jonah sits outside the city to see what will come of it — hoping God might change his mind and rain fire down upon Nineveh. God appoints a plant to provide shade and comfort for Jonah, but the next day God appoints a worm to eat the plant, and then sends a scorching east wind. Like Jonah, we can hang on to a root of bitterness and anger toward God when things don’t go our way.

There is no such thing as small things when it comes to spiritual things. God deposits a mustard seed of faith in us. When we trust Him and bring the little we have, it can grow into a marvelous harvest for His Kingdom. Do not despise small beginnings, for God is able to make all things grow for His glory. There are also seemingly small issues in our heart which, when not dealt with, can produce a harvest of darkness — small grievances, envy, and the inability to be happy when others are blessed. Small things never stay small.

Despite his afflictions Paul had a tremendous burden and joy for the church of Jesus Christ. It was a good day for Paul if the gospel was being advanced, even if it meant him being arrested and thrown into a dark dungeon prison. Paul knew that it was through our prayers for others that they receive a fresh supply of the Holy Spirit. Just as Paul did, we should count it a joy to pray for others and have the Holy Spirit fill them anew.

Part 3 – We need to hear the Word of the Lord in our life and repent. The book of Proverbs says it’s the little foxes that spoil the vine — pride, arrogance, self-reliance, gossip, lust, loose language, or whatever it may be. When we walk in that broken and contrite place, God’s Word will not only come to us, but it will come through us. We, then, will be able to preach and minister in profound and powerful ways. The Word of God will be a living sword out of our mouth because it has worked first its work in our heart. Where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty.

There is a longing in the heart of God to give His church the resources that we need to be the people He has called us to be. The Bible says to keep asking and we will receive. But what are we asking for? We are to put away childish prayers that are self-focused and begin to ask for the power and provision we need to minister to fallen humanity. Ask God for a heart for this world and an awareness of how much He loves people. Those who are looking away from self and are given for the work of God will be given supernatural strength in the coming storm!

Have you ever wondered why you are here and what is your purpose? People really don't know why they are here and life passes by so quickly. But the good news is that God created us and brought us into the world for an eternal purpose. God has a plan and His desire for us is to know His son Jesus. There is a life beyond this life — we are just passing through. Once you put your faith in Jesus you tap into a divine destiny. No one will be in Heaven who does not want to be. You have a choice. Start your journey today!

We can get so entrenched in religion and become so convinced that our own way is right that when God sends something supernatural our way we can't see or understand what He is using to correct us. Whom the Lord loves He chastens so that we may be a partaker of His holiness. If we are often reproved and ignore correction we will deviate from the power and plan of Jesus Christ. God forbid that we get to the point where we think we have arrived and that we settle into thinking there is no more we can do to serve God.

Part 2 – Are you suffering because of righteousness sake or suffering because of sin? Jonah was in trouble and called out to God. Even though waves crashed over him and he found himself in wickedness, he knew Yahweh was listening. Jonah’s heart had become repentant; he could see the desire of his heart and that it was truly desperate for God. Is your life totally collapsed? Remember Yahweh.