I wanted to write my kids this month about being good listeners. And the Bible story that always stands out in my mind when it comes to listening is the book of Jonah. Jonah was a man who instead of listening to God ran. And I wanted my kids to understand not listening to God has consequences. I pray if you are struggling with listening to God this speaks to your heart. As always feel free to copy and uses my letters. God bless!
We want to write to you about being a good listener and the story of Jonah in the Bible.
Are you a good listener?
Do you take the time to hear what people are saying? God calls us to listen to people and take the time to hear how He wants us reach them. Do you listen for Him calling in the wind. Do you hear His whispers. For me something I find myself getting sucked into the world and forget to look for Him. Spending time in the Bible and praying helps me to focus on listening to His voice. As you head into this week we pray you would take the time to see God wherever you go. Don’t miss any opportunity God gives you. Be open to his call wherever it might take you.
I did a bible study on the book of Jonah the other day with my residents at work. Jonah was a strong believer in God but he did not want to listen to God when He told him to go to Nineveh. In fact he ran away and got on a boat to escape Gods calling. While he was on the boat he fell into a deep sleep. And as he was sleeping a great storm rocked the boat and scared the people on it. They woke Jonah and asked how could he sleep in a storm like this. Jonah admitted he was running from the Lord and this terrified the other sailors. Jonah told them to throw him into the sea and that the water would calm down then. After being thrown into the sea Jonah was swallowed by a great whale. He was in the belly of the whale for three days and he prayed and asked for forgiveness. Then God commanded the whale to vomit Jonah out. Jonah then went to Nineveh and spread the news that their town was in trouble. The ruler of Nineveh Took the warnings seriously and they turned to the Lord and confess their sins.
There is a great lesson in the story of Jonah when it comes to listening to God. No matter how big or small the whisper is we should never turn away from what he says. The Lord saved the people of Nineveh because Jonah went with a message. Our prayer is that you would always listen to God no matter how scary it is.
We pray you take time to read the book of Jonah and hear what God wants you to take out of it.
We love you and you mean the world to us. Keep trusting in him for he is out rock and foundation.
We are doing well and are keeping busy with work and family. Stay strong and be brave!
Love always
