Written by Dawn Mooring

Those who regard worthless idols forsake their own mercy. But I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord. (Jonah 2:8-9)

Have you ever struggled to trust God with a situation in your life, to sacrifice your plans and desires in obedience to Him? We live in an age of independence, of being self-made human beings. From childhood our ears are tickled with the mantra, “You can be anything, do anything.” Good vibes and positivity have their place. They are often the catalyst to encourage those who need courage.

But what if the very things we desire to do, to be, to have, are not the plans of God? What happens after accomplishing a lifelong dream/goal, God takes it from our tightly clenched fists? A struggle to sacrifice, to trust Him with what we hold dear ensues. Sacrifice by definition is “an act of slaughtering an animal or person or surrendering a possession as an offering to God or to a divine or supernatural figure.”

Consider the life of Jonah, a prophet of God, who received a command to go to Nineveh. The Lord exhorted Jonah to go and warn Nineveh of their wickedness. God’s desire was for repentance and faith in Himself, their Creator. Jonah didn’t share the same desire. He hated the Ninevites. They were cruel enemies of God’s people, Jonah’s people.

An internal struggle began in Jonah’s heart. Not wanting to follow God’s plan, he started a journey over 2000 miles in the opposite direction. He boarded a ship with pagan sailors. Turbulent, life threatening seas caused each man to cry out to their gods (no help there). By casting lots to uncover the fury of the storm, Jonah’s sin found him out. He confessed his disobedience to the sailors and begged to be thrown overboard.

Immediately the storm stopped. Note the outcome in Jonah 1:6, the men feared the Lord exceedingly, offered a sacrifice to Him, and took vows. No blood of an animal – just sacrificing idol worship for God worship.

Jonah wound up in the belly of a large fish. Regretting his disobedience, he surrendered his independence for dependence upon God. While tossing in the putrid, gastric juices in the belly of the fish, Jonah proclaimed, “I will sacrifice to you with a voice of thanksgiving.” He surrendered his struggle and plans. His sacrifice was that of praise, thanksgiving, and vows to follow God.

*Sometimes “pennies in your path” show up right before you surrender. 

P.S.

Question: Where have you found yourself sitting in the middle of disobedience?

Growing Deeper-

One Action Step: Ask God for forgiveness and worship Him with open hands and a willing heart yielding to His will. You can trust Him.

Prayer:

Oh Lord, I surrender my life, my hopes, my dreams into your hands. I desire to sacrifice with praises for who you are, and thanksgiving for all you’ve done for me.

Scripture Plunge: Jonah 1:6, 2:8-9, Jeremiah 33:11, Hebrews 13:15, Psalm 51

Dawn Mooring is an experienced speaker, teacher, and author. She has been published in THE UPPER ROOM and christiandevotions.us and Inspireafire and is a guest blogger for several ministries. Dawn has counseling certification through Grace Ministries International and in women’s ministry though American Association of Christian Counselors. Her passion is to know God and His Word and to share the abundant life found in Christ. Dawn has been a television co-host on The Christian View. She has been a guest on the television programs Atlanta Live, Friends & Neighbors and Babbie’s House. For more info, check out www.dawnmooring.com and read her devotion blog. Dawn has written two Bible studies.

Her latest book When Lions Roar (How to Tame a Wild Tongue) is now available on Amazon.com. Click here https://amzn.to/3KViG1Q

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