Mike Seale

There is nothing like being close to death or to thinking you are about to die. Going to the hospital back in the nineties when I thought I was having a heart attack was one of those times for me. Also, several car accidents, when I didn’t think I was going to survive, were other times when I thought death might be near. These true life experiences can humble us and make us call out, “Help me Lord, save me Lord from this moment!”

I often think about Jonah in the belly of the great fish. His prayer, “In my distress I called to the Lord and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help and you listened to my cry, (Jonah 2:2). There are times when we are confronted with our on mortality.

If you ever have had surgery to repair a part of your body, during recovery you can feel vulnerable and dependent on the help of others.

For Jonah, (and like me) he had created this trauma in his life by running away from God. (That has to be a little humorous, “I think I will run away and hide from God,” ha!)

Let me make a couple observations for us to consider. One, The Lord God sometimes lets us run away. The prodigal son is another good example. God, at times, may let us get close to death, so that we can experience the moment of clarity and come to our senses; so that we can call out to him for salvation. “…salvation comes from the Lord,” (Jonah 2:9).

Second, God is merciful. He responds to the humble heart that calls out in desperation…”He answered me and listened to my cry,” (Jonah 2:2).

Third, God is ready to put us back to work doing great things for His kingdom. After Jonah preached for three days, the entire nation of Nineveh repented and turned back to God.

Today, reflect on some moments where God rescued you, when you were desperate and when you needed “salvation from the Lord.” May you be blessed today as you become a blessing to others.