June 6 | Jonah 4:7-8
“But God appointed a worm when dawn arose the next day, and it struck down the plant, and it withered. And it happened when the sun rose that God ppointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on Jonah’s head, and he became faint. So he asked that his soul might die and said, “It is better for me to die than for me to live.”” (Jonah 4:7–8)
You often see disrespectful teenagers on crazy, over dramatized TV shows. Maybe you see it in your home. But some teenagers think they are smarter and better than their parents. They boss them around like they rule the roost. They need to remember their place.
Jonah acted like a privileged teenager, throwing His temper tantrum outside of Nineveh. He’s upset God chose to send His grace instead of wrath. Jonah sat outside the city for an entire day angry.
The next morning, God had enough. He sent a worm to destroy the plant He gave Jonah in comfort the previous day. But Jonah’s temper tantrum went on long enough. Jonah’s vision is so small, he is still angry about a plant instead of a city of people who need God.
Maybe this is why God calls us His children. We want Him to move and do things our way. But God is sovereign. He sees more and farther than we do. He knows what’s best for us even when we don’t.
Action Step: Don’t be afraid to ask God for what you need. But learn to accept His answers of, “No,” or “Not now.”
Heavenly Father, thank You that You hear me when I cry out to You. You listen to my point of view. I would rather have Your promises and will then my own. Not my will, but Yours be done.
