Do You Mean It?

“But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the Lord alone.” - Jonah 2:9 
 
 
Jonah disobeyed God. He ran from God. As we continue studying his story, we read that he is on a boat when a storm comes. Once the crew realizes that the storm appeared because Jonah is running from God, they throw him overboard where he ends up in the mouth of a big fish. Now, scholars debate on what type of fish but let’s just agree that it was a big fish. 
 
What I want you to notice is what Jonah says once he is in the mouth of the fish. Do you know what he says? While in the belly of this fish, he says, “God, if you’ll get me out of this I’ll serve you.” Have you ever said something like that when you were (or are) in the belly of some situation? 
 
You were in the belly of some struggle, in the belly of something that seems as if it were not good, and you said something out loud. “God, if you’ll get me out of this, I’ll serve you. If you’ll move me out of this, I’ll serve you.” 
 
Did you mean it? I know many people pray this exact prayer, and God gets them out of that situation, but they don’t honor their word. They just keep doing what they were doing. God delivered you out of that situation but you didn’t do what you said you were going to do. 
 
Like he used the big fish with Jonah, God will pull from His infinite number of resources to get your attention. And when He does, you should pay attention. Don’t just say you’ll serve Him so you can get out of your circumstances. God takes your promises very seriously. When you commit to Him, He expects you to mean it.