GOD'S RELENTLESS, GRACIOUS PURSUIT
SECOND CHANCES
HOW WILL I RESPOND WHEN GOD DOESN'T MEET MY EXPECTATIONS?
3:10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had. 4 But . . .
HOW WILL I RESPOND WHEN GOD DOESN'T MEET MY EXPECTATIONS?
Jonah 4:1 But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. 2 He prayed to the LORD, “Isn’t this what I said, LORD, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. 3 Now, LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”
I. Remember that God is sovereign.
III. How I respond will determine how I experience God.
6 Then the LORD God provided a leafy plant . . .
7 But at dawn the next day God provided a worm . . .
8 When the son rose, God Provided a scorching east wind . . .
Root problem:
What do we believe about God's character?
He is good - trust him.
He loving and compassionate - love others without reservation.
He is merciful - live a grateful life.
He is in control - follow him.
4 But the LORD replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?” 5 Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. 6 Then the LORD God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant. 7 But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered. 8 When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.” 9 But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” “It is,” he said. “And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.” 10 But the LORD said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. 11 And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”
II. Know that God wants to bring your heart in line with his character.
HOW WILL I RESPOND WHEN GOD DOESN'T MEET MY EXPECTATIONS?
6 Then the LORD God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant. 7 But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered. 8 When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint. He wanted to die, and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.”
11 And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left - and also many animals?”
God is sovereign and in control
He wants to bring your heart in line with his love, grace, mercy and goodness.
How you respond will determine how you experience God.