When the Sea Rages

Hurricane Ian unleashed its rain and winds upon Florida, and conservative estimates think the cost of damages could exceed $55 billion.[1]  That is a horrific blow to the lives of all affected. Ian did not catch Florida by surprise because sophisticated satellite tracking and imaging allowed meteorologists to be pretty accurate in tracking the storm’s course and speed. That is a good thing because it allowed people to prepare for the storm and, if necessary, escape to safety. But imagine if you were on a boat with your smartphone and a mobile weather app that called for clear skies and warm weather when suddenly a furious squall came out of nowhere and threatened everyone’s lives?  That is what happened to Jonah (except none of them had smartphones).

​ Meditation
Jonah 1:15--Then they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea stopped its raging.
 
When the sea rages, it may not be a natural phenomenon; it may be the hand of God at work. 
Then the Lord hurled a violent wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose on the sea that the ship threatened to break apart.  The sailors were afraid, and each cried out to his god. They threw the ship’s cargo into the sea to lighten the load. Meanwhile, Jonah had gone down to the lowest part of the vessel and had stretched out and fallen into a deep sleep. The captain approached him and said, “What are you doing sound asleep? Get up! Call to your god. Maybe this god will consider us, and we won’t perish.” (Jonah 1:4-6)
Superstitious sailors cast lots and determined that Jonah was the cause of their demise. Jonah testified of his creator God and readily admitted he was to blame for fleeing His presence. He convinced the men to throw him into the sea to appease the Lord, and the raging storm ceased.  Amazing. 
            
Before the sea rages, it is wise to take personal inventory.  Has God asked me to do something that I am refusing to do?  Should I be boarding a boat to run from God?  Why am I not listening to Him and walking in obedience to His will?  Running from the Lord is never a good option or a bright technique. If he calls you to do something—do it!  He will provide the strength you need and the resources to accomplish what He asks.  Something to think about . . . in reveration!
 
Inspiration
“God’s children run home when the storm comes on.”—Charles Spurgeon in The Power in Prayer
 
©2022 Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to the inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)


[1] https://abcnews.go.com/Business/hurricane-ians-damage-reach-65-billion/story?id=90693223