As we begin the 3rd chapter of Jonah, we again see God calling Jonah to go to Nineveh.  The calling is the same, but the messenger has been changed.  This is what the grace of God does.  It changes us, and equips us to rightly minister the grace of God to others.  As God was in the details of Jonah's life for the good purpose of preparing him, so He is preparing all of those who love God and are called to His good purposes.

In Hebrews 11:32-40 we're given 2 lists of people whose faith was in the future promise of God.  And we have something better.  We have already received some of the benefits of what they only looked to with anticipation.  The reality of the resurrection gives us an unshakable hope in this life, as we're all the more certain of the life to come.

How do you deal with the various circumstances of suffering - even worry or anxiety - in your life?  Do you minimize or compare?  Do you dismiss or feel guilty for the way you feel?  Are you praying, or are you silently resentful toward God?  Jonah's prayer has much to teach us about the sovereignty of God in our sufferings, and a biblical recognition and response of faith.  You may never get stuck inside of a fish, but this prayer from Jonah chapter 2 will teach us to face our situation with faith in God, and in His gracious provision of mercy for our time of need.