Redemptive Distress

I recently ran across sermon notes I'd jotted on the back of a bulletin during a Lent service this year. Rereading the thoughts challenged and encouraged me. May you find similar strengthening in these truths.

• Jonah's distress was the fruit of his disobedience--but God mercifully redeemed his life and gave him a second change. If sin in the cause of your distress/burden--confess.

• Jonah recognized it was ultimately God who threw him in the water (not the men who actually did it.) God purpose for adversity is never simply to "punish," but for redemptive purposes. Trust Him.

• Jonah has the boldness to ask, the very One who caused his punishment, for deliverance. God graciously rescues Jonah for redemptive purposes. Petition the Lord.

• Jonah's salvation (redemption) came through a whale--ours comes through the cross. Look to Christ.

• Salvation belongs to the Lord--it is His to do with as He wills and it is His delight to give it to us. Thank the Lord for His salvation.

Adapted from notes taken during a sermon heard at Our Redeemer, Dallas, TX