Right People in the Right Place

Jonah 1:15-17 “Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him. Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”

Think

Let's dig a bit deeper into Jonah's story. God had a clear mission for him: head to Nineveh and deliver a message. But Jonah had other plans. Instead of following God's orders, he booked a ticket in the opposite direction, hopping on a ship to Tarshish.

As Jonah's sea journey progressed, things took a turn for the worse. A raging storm hit, putting everyone on board in jeopardy. Just imagine being one of those innocent bystanders caught in the chaos because of Jonah's disobedience! It's a stark reminder that our choices don't just affect us – they can have a ripple effect on those around us.

Here's the kicker: when the crew tossed Jonah overboard, the storm miraculously calmed down. It's a powerful lesson that sometimes, the root of our problem isn't just external circumstances, but also the people we surround ourselves with.

Take a moment to reflect on your own life. Are there people whose influence is steering you away from God's path? Are there relationships that are holding you back from fulfilling your purpose?

Consider this: just as God had a specific plan for Jonah – to go to Nineveh – he has a unique plan for each of us. And sometimes, following that plan means making tough choices about who we let into our lives.

Maybe there are relationships that need reevaluation to enable you to stay on track with God's plan. It's not about cutting ties with others, but recognizing that sometimes, we need to distance ourselves from influences that don't align with where God is leading us. As you think about Jonah's story, ask yourself, “Are there people hindering me from walking in God's purpose? Am I willing to make the necessary changes to stay aligned with his plan for my life?”

Apply

Take inventory of the people you interact with regularly – friends, family members, colleagues, and mentors. Do they encourage and support your spiritual growth, or do they hinder your progress and lead you away from God's path?

Pray

God, give me wisdom to align my relationships with your plan for my life. Give me courage and discernment to deal with these situations. I trust your guidance and want to walk more closely with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.