If you are a living, breathing human being, I daresay you have felt disappointed by God at some point. Even if you felt that you couldn’t express that unhappiness around fellow believers lest they think poorly of your faith, everyone has expectations of God based on their spiritual background and life experiences.
The Old Testament book of Jonah tells the story of a prophet who got much more than he bargained for when God showed up in very unique ways.
Jonah was given a specific mission: Go to the city of Ninevah with a message of judgment and salvation. The uncooperative missionary somehow believed that God would not find him if he disappeared in the opposite direction, yet despite his attempt to outrun an omnipotent God, that same Almighty Father did not give up on encouraging Jonah’s obedience.
God unexpectedly appeared to Jonah and the pagan crew of a battered ship during a violent deep-sea storm. Even the heathen sailors recognized that the deity this traveler worshipped had power over the wind and waves, resulting in their belief in Him (Jonah 1:16).
God unexpectedly showed up in a great fish that obediently swallowed and safely transported the recalcitrant prophet to the shores of Ninevah, Jonah’s original mission destination (Jonah 1:17; 2:10).
God unexpectedly revealed His presence when the Ninevites believed the prophet’s warnings, repented of their sins, and turned to Him (Jonah 3:5-10).
God unexpectedly demonstrated His power in a miraculously grown plant, a ravenous worm, and a scorching wind when Jonah resentfully sequestered himself at a safe distance from the profane Ninevites to watch the spectacle of what he hoped would be divine judgment for their idolatry (Jonah 4:1-5).
The tale of Jonah ends abruptly with God reminding His servant that He, alone, has the power to choose the ones He will forgive and bless. When you hear the voice of God, listen, then respond in obedience. Don’t wait for a storm, a great fish, or even a hungry caterpillar to capture your attention.
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