Work Week Word-Wednesday’s Word-”Throw Jonah Overboard”

Throw Jonah Overboard
Jonah 1:10-17

How many of us have held on to something that was not good for us? Whether it be a relationship, person, place, lifestyle, etc., it was on the verge of bringing us to a place of no return. It didn’t matter what was going on, we felt good.  It was like the old song, “it feels so good to be in love so bad.” You ran from the thing that you needed to do in order to get away from the thing you were told to do. The crew you ran with back on the day may have gotten you in trouble just because.  Or hiding someone from trouble may have spawned a unworthy sentence, but it happens when we can’t let go of a thing. We had to realize (or some may be in this situation now) that releasing that thing has brought about a peace in our lives. When we let “Jonah” go, everything was alright.

When we were growing up, it was literally “One for all and all for one” when it came to trouble. If one was in trouble, we all got in trouble. I believe we have what is known now as “guilty by association.” Hang around some people and see if you will be classified (or labeled) as that type in a few days. We have to be careful with the things we do and say concerning people. Jonah had decided to run from the presence of God and in doing so, he endangered everyone on the ship with him. That thing you are dealing with doesn’t mean to offend you, but it can upset a heap of other things. Holding on to it can not only mess up your life but others around you. Don’t let Jonah do that to you, throw him overboard.

Just as the captain of the ship tried to help Jonah to no avail; you can’t help everyone you come in contact with. Loyalty is a good thing, but don’t be loyal for the wrong reason. These men knew that Jonah was running; they cast lots (and it fell on him) and Jonah told them himself. He told them I know I messed up and this is what you have to do in order to have peace. But they said “whatever” and tried to outdo God by rowing harder, as if that would get them to the place any faster. You know what you have to do in order to have peace, but you are trying to out run God…it’s not going to happen. Stop the storm; throw Jonah overboard.

Tonya Nelson has said it in a way that is plain and simple, “Many of us have been trying to rescue things/people of the past that are no longer relevant to our lives. It’s been like trying to rescue a drowning man tied to an anchor; it is NOT going to work, and has the possibility of taking you down as well. Throw JONAH OVER!!!”

Work Your Faith
Copyright 2012 Dwayne T. Moore
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“Something to get you through the work week”

• Work Week Word-Thursday’s Word-”I Don’t Want No Rocks”
• Work Week Word-Tuesday’s Word-”What’s In You Matters”