Re: Verse reading—Jonah 1:1–3; 3:1–5, 10; 4:1–11 (day four)
As a college student just a few years ago, I was influenced spiritually by one of our BSU staffers, Chuck Kelley. (Dr. Charles S. Kelley, Jr. is now president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary) Chuck shared with me one of his favorite Bible verses…Jonah 4:7. “But God appointed a worm when dawn came the next day and it attacked the plant and it withered.” Chuck said if God could use a worm, then surely He could use him…he was encouraged….I was encouraged! I have shared this verse countless times over the years to encourage others.
God also used this worm to help re-orient Jonah to what was truly important…the hearts and souls of people. How often do we lose sight of what is really important? How often do we get distracted by our selfish pride so that we no longer see what has real value? Once we are distracted from truth, fear rushes in. Only faith can restore our vision!
