What’s most likely the picture you would set as your computer background?

Man’s first step on the moon

Your favorite musician shattering a guitar onstage

Miss America tripping over her own feet as she accepts the crown

The Loch Ness monster peeking his head out of murky water

A giant piece of chocolate cake

Sometimes a picture really is worth a thousand words. No one in the Bible understands this quite like Jonah. The man spent 3 days stuffed inside the belly of a “great fish.” I imagine his blog entry might read:
Day 2: Still crammed inside this disgusting fish. With each slimy breath, I feel the scales swish up and down against me. Unfortunately, I’m not the only undigested meal floating around. I can’t see very well, but I definitely smell everything. I will think twice before ordering fish again.

What events led Jonah to this miserable new dwelling?

Read Jonah 1:1-3

What did God tell Jonah to do?

What was Jonah’s response?

Describe a time God asked you to do something and you flat-out refused.

Read Jonah 1:4-5; 12-17

According to verse 17, how long was Jonah in the whale?

Name a time God had to do something drastic to get your attention?

Do you think God caused a fish to swallow Jonah …

a.)   For punishment

b.)   To get Jonah’s attention and take him back where God wanted him to be

c.)    Both

d.)   Something else ______________

We joked earlier about Jonah’s blog entry, but actually the Bible records Jonah’s thoughts from inside the fish, only he wasn’t complaining.

Read Jonah 2:1-6
What surprises you most about his prayer?
Why does Jonah praise God even from a tough place (literally)?

Describe a time you found yourself in a “fishy” situation where you knew God was trying to teach you something.

Read 2:10 – 3:1-3

When the fish vomited Jonah onto land (another great profile pic), what was his immediate reaction?

Jonah learned obedience even when the decision was hard, even when it would cost him something.

What is God calling to you to do when you go home that might be hard?
Think about all that apply or think of your own:

Break up with a girlfriend/boyfriend

Find new friends

Study the Bible every day

Ditch unholy music/ TV/ certain Web sites

Stop drinking

Get a better attitude

Tell my friends about Jesus

Pray for my parents instead of fighting with them

Be a Godly role model for my siblings (older siblings included)

Be more involved with my small group

Start serving at church

Take my walk with him to the next level

God will accomplish these things in your life. Pray a prayer asking God to change you in these areas. Know that as you walk with Him, he will empower you to be like Christ. Be sure to talk to your small group about your decisions.