Who Is to Blame?

Read Obadiah 1:1–21; Jonah 1:1 through 4:11

Heaving waves! Surging seas! Such a terrible storm! Yet, as they dealt with it, the sailors on Jonah’s ship were sure the storm was caused by a vindictive god punishing someone on board. So who was it? Casting lots revealed the culprit, and it was Jonah!

He answered, “I am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” This terrified them and they asked, “What have you done?” (Jonah 1:9–10).

Then when Jonah identified himself and his God, the sailors sought to identify the offense that had brought the storm down on them. They even tried to get the ship back to land, but there was no escaping from God.

Unfortunately, many people today believe that any problem a person faces is the direct result of some sin the person has committed. A thorough study of Scripture shows this to be a falsehood.

Christians should concern themselves with helping struggling brothers and sisters and leave concerns about why the struggle is taking place to God.

Challenge for Today:

In the midst of a struggle, live confidently, knowing that God will sustain you.

(c) by Gospel Publishing House, 1445 N Boonville Ave., Springfield, Missouri, 65802