As I review Jonah 2:9 it says, “But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the Lord alone.” (NLT)
It took a miracle of deliverance to get Jonah to do as God had commanded. Instead of obeying God's Word, he tried to escape his responsibilities. After what happened, Jonah pledged to fulfill his vows. So Jonah's story started with a tragedy, but a greater tragedy would have happened if God had allowed him to keep running. I need to consider that when I know God wants me to do something, I shouldn't run. God may not stop me as he did Jonah.
When I feel hopeless, it seems counterproductive to express gratitude. Why would I feel grateful when I’ve hit rock bottom?
Jonah, at the end of his prayer from the belly of the big fish, before God rescued him, showed me how to thank God in advance for answering prayers: “I will sacrifice to you with songs of thanksgiving. I will keep my vow. Victory belongs to the Lord!” (Jonah 2:9 GW).
What’s the difference between gratitude before and gratitude after? If I wait to thank God until after he answers my prayer, that’s gratitude. But if I thank God in advance, before he answers my prayer, that’s faith. I should always thank God when he answers my prayers, but I show faith in God if I also do it beforehand.
Jonah’s example shows me how to thank God in advance:
First, Jonah thanked God by praising him. In Hebrews 13:15, we’re told, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name” (NIV).
Secondly, Jonah thanked God by returning to his mission. Jonah knew he messed up. I’ve been there as well, yet that doesn’t stop God’s mission for me. Jonah’s life mission remained the same. My life mission remains the same as well, even when I mess up.
Lastly, Jonah thanked God by trusting him for success. Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take” (NLT).
God will never abandon me, even if I disobey his will. That’s why I can thank him even before my prayers are answered.
In summary, offer sacrifices to the Lord with songs of praise, and fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the Lord alone. I need to consider that when I know God wants me to do something, I shouldn't run. When I feel hopeless, it seems counterproductive to express thanks and gratitude. The difference between gratitude before and gratitude after, is If I wait to thank God until after he answers my prayer, that’s gratitude. But if I thank God in advance, before he answers my prayer, that’s faith. I should always thank God when he answers my prayers, but I show faith in God if I also thank Him beforehand. Jonah’s life provides an example that shows me how to thank God in advance for answering prayers: Jonah thanked God by praising him, by returning to his mission. Like Jonah, even if I mess up, My life mission remains the same. And, lastly Jonah thanked God by trusting him for success. God will never abandon me, even if I disobey his will. That’s why I can thank him even before my prayers are answered.
This morning's study reminds me that while I trust God for the outcome of my future job, I need to also show my faith by thanking him beforehand. Father you have given me so many second chances. You know what’s best for me. With the help of the Holy Spirit I ask that you lead me as I put my trust in you and not myself. I ask for wisdom and guidance for my career, my work today, my leadership and my interaction with others. I pray these things through you Son Jesus’ name, amen.
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