But I will sacrifice to you with the voice of thanksgiving. I will pay that which I have vowed. Salvation belongs to Yahweh. Then Yahweh spoke to the fish, and it vomited out Jonah on the dry land. Yahweh's word came to Jonah the second time, saying, 'Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I give you.' So Jonah arose, and went to Nineveh, according to Yahweh's word. Jonah 2:9'3:3 WEB

The word of the Lord came to Jonah and told him to go to Nineveh. Jonah knew that he should go, but then he did the opposite. He ran as far away from God's will as he could get. Problems followed him, and a storm overtook him. Jonah soon found himself sitting at the bottom of the sea in a custom made fish.

When he was almost dead with nothing else to live for, Jonah began to pray. God heard his prayer and spoke into his situation. Jonah was released from his captivity. Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time. It was the same word: 'Arise, go to Nineveh and preach to it the message that I give you.'

There have been times in my life when I knew what to do, but like Jonah, I did the exact opposite. You can call it weakness, or whatever you like. I sometimes call it 'educational.' I know where that road goes, I have been there and done that.

Anytime that you move into disobedience, problems will soon follow, but it is never too late to turn it all around with a simple prayer. Can someone know God, know what to do, but then do the opposite? Jonah did. If they do turn back to God and pray, will He restore them? God restored Jonah, and then His word came a second time.

It is never too late to stop and pray. The thief on the cross had minutes left after living a life of crime, but the Lord saved him. No matter how bad you have been, you can be forgiven. No matter how far you have fallen, you can be restored. No matter how lost you are, you can be found. No matter what holds you captive, you can go free. The heavy burden on your shoulders can be lifted and the peace and joy will return.

Prayer: Heavenly Father please forgive me of the things that I have done wrong. I turn to You today and want Your will to be done in my life. Help me see my life through Your eyes and the plan that You have for me clearly. Give me the grace to resist temptation and to reach my greatest potential in You, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.