Jonah and the Great Fish (usually called “whale”) is a Bible story most people have heard at some point in their lives. There are numerous songs about this story that help children learn early in their lives that instant obedience goes hand-in-hand with a joyful heart. It’s such an important true story that it has its own Book in the Bible.

The pastor’s sermon last week was on the Book of Jonah, and the lessons I learned have been on the forefront of my mind since Sunday. Continuing with the patriotic theme, I couldn’t help but think of Ninevah as I have prayed this week for God to bless America.

I won’t take your time to recount the entire story of Jonah’s assignment from God. I will, however, encourage you to take less than ten minutes to read the entire Book of Jonah in the Bible. Seriously—less than ten minutes! The city of Ninevah was so morally corrupt that God assigned Jonah the task of telling them that destruction was coming. (Jonah 1:1-2: “The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: ‘Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.'”)

Now begins the most familiar part of the story. Jonah goes the opposite direction from Ninevah, earning him a God-ordained “time out” in the disgusting belly of a huge fish. After three days and a lesson learned, God commanded Jonah a second time (Jonah 3:1) to go to Ninevah. This time, Jonah obeyed, and proclaimed the message that God was going to destroy Ninevah.

Here comes the lesson that we as Americans can learn from this sinful city: The people of Ninevah realized the power of God and chose to turn from their sins and acknowledge Him as the One True God! As a result, we read these words in Jonah 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 threatened.” Their sincerity touched the heart of God!

During this week of praying for America, I have found myself thinking, “Yeah, right. This nation will NEVER fully turn back to God. But I’ll pray anyway.” Then I thought of Ninevah. My faith should not be in believing that the people of America will turn to God, but my faith should be in the God Who is waiting with open arms to “forgive their sin and heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14) Oh that our repentant hearts would touch the heart of God!

Lord, today I pray that You will open the eyes and hearts of Americans as a nation. Thank You for the mercy and grace You give to us as individuals. It is that same mercy and grace that I pray You will show to our country today. May Your name be glorified in America—and in my life. Thank You for what You will do, Father! Amen.

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