When Running From God, You Just Get a Really Big Fish Ride

Brothers and sisters, if you’ve ever felt like you needed a do-over—a chance to rewind the clock on a mistake, or to start fresh after a tough stumble—you know that feeling. We all crave a fresh start, right? But sometimes, the reluctance to forgive ourselves, or the reluctance to accept grace, can actually hinder the very fresh start we're looking for.

It got me thinking this week about the Book of Jonah. It’s a powerful, sometimes uncomfortable reminder that even when we try our hardest to run from the Lord’s calling, He has already prepared the next step for us—even if that step involves a very large aquatic creature.

We’ve been digging into this story, and last week we saw Jonah as the reluctant prophet. God calls him to Nineveh, and Jonah responds with a resounding, “No.” He doesn't go east; he goes as far west as he can on a ship. It’s a masterclass in avoidance!

What struck me as I rewatched the material was the pattern. When we try to outrun the Spirit, or when we try to run from the responsibilities of the covenant path, the Lord seems to have a way of ensuring we end up in a place where we can’t escape His notice. Last week, we learned that if you try to run from God, the devil will always offer you a ride—and sometimes that ride is quite stormy.

The storm hits, Jonah cries out, and he’s cast overboard. The sailors, seeing the power of the Lord, turn their hearts to Him. But Jonah is left alone in the deep. It looks hopeless. And then, the Lord intervenes in the most unexpected way: a giant fish.

It’s a stark contrast, isn't it? From active disobedience to being swallowed whole. But what does that mean for us today, as we strive to be better disciples? It means that even when we feel like we’ve hit rock bottom—down in the belly of the fish—that’s often precisely where the Lord starts His greatest work of restoration.

This isn't just a story about a prophet; it’s a pattern for every one of us who feel overwhelmed by the weight of our own shortcomings. We all struggle with the *‘shoulds’*—the ‘I should pray more,’ the ‘I should be more Christlike,’ the ‘I should serve more.’ It’s easy to feel like we’ve failed the test.

I encourage you to think about what Jonah did in Chapter 2. He didn't just wait for the fish to pass. He prayed. He turned his focus back to the Lord. That act of sincere repentance, that turning back to the source of life, is the most powerful thing we can do, whether we are in the MTC, serving in the field, or just sitting at home studying scriptures.

If you’re feeling the weight of your own mistakes, remember that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is the ultimate 'do-over.' He didn't just provide a second chance; He provided infinite chances through the Spirit.

For those of us who are in missionary preparation, or who are newly returned missionaries, this is a vital lesson. Don't let the fear of failure keep you from sharing the gospel. Don't let the *‘what if I mess up?’* overshadow the reality of the Savior’s grace. Be willing to be swallowed by the Spirit’s promptings, even if they feel uncomfortable or inconvenient.

If you want to dig deeper into this theme of divine timing and repentance, I highly recommend checking out the scriptures related to Jonah in LivingBook, or perhaps joining one of our Book Clubs to discuss the nuances of the covenants.

We’re keeping the momentum going! If you haven't already, please take a moment to join our next gathering. It’s a wonderful time to lift our testimonies together and prepare for the work. Check the calendar for details on our next online session!