Jonah 2 - Seven lessons from Pain

We are studying the book of Jonah.  Fascinating how this guy runs from God and God pursues him gently, powerfully, specifically so that Jonah would repent and re-connect with God.

In Jonah 2 Jonah calls out to God in distress.  I don't like to be distressed.  It doesn't seem right when believers find themselves in times of life that could be labeled "distress."  Here is James Dobson's recommendation for how to deal with those times When God Doesn't Make Sense:

Seven Lessons we can learn about PAIN     

Lesson 1:     

The Apostle Paul says . . .   1 Corinthians 13:12  “Now I know in part. “

We learn to ACCEPT partial understanding.

Lesson 2:                              Confusion is a natural result of pain.

Satan will use PAIN to make you FEEL victimized by God.

Lesson 3:      Expectations set us up for _DISSAPPOINTMENT.

Proverbs 3:5 “Lean not on your own understanding.”

Lesson 4:                  John 16:33 “You will have Trouble.”

1 Peter 4:12-13  Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering

Lesson 5:  Your FEEELINGS  don’t equal TRUTH.

Jeremiah 31:3 [God says,] “I have loved you with an everlasting love.”

Lesson 6:  Adversity and PAIN bring CHARACTER building.

James 1:2-3 “testing of your faith develops perseverance.”

Lesson 7:      You are ever in His VISION .

Mark 6:45-50  Jesus watched the storm and the disciples for seven hours.