Wrestling or Resting? Faith Lessons from Jonah & Jehoshaphat
The Nature of Faith
In our hearts, a vital yet elusive force resides: faith. Even as small as a mustard seed, faith holds the power to move mountains (Matthew 17:20).
Jonah: Wrestling
Jonah attempted to flee from God, trying to escape his divine mission. Initially, he appeared lost but later realized his journey mirrored our faith struggles. When Jonah finally embraced God’s will, his story became a timeless testimony. Despite human failings like Jonah’s and ours, God’s plans remain unshaken.
Jehoshaphat: Resting
In 2 Chronicles 20:12, King Jehoshaphat faced overwhelming odds but turned to God in prayer: “We are powerless before this vast army. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” God granted him victory and prosperity without battle. His reward came through his immediate submission and trust in God’s will.
The Promise of Faith
Will God always respond? Matthew 7:7 assures us that He will: “Ask, and it will be given to you.” In Luke 18:17, Jesus speaks of child-like faith, teaching us to approach with unwavering trust in the Father’s love.
In this faith covenant, prayer becomes an intimate dialogue with our Creator. Faith is not about the absence of doubt but trusting amid uncertainty. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, not relying on just your understanding (Proverbs 3:5).
References and Further Study
Matthew 17:20 – “Because you have so little faith,” He answered. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
2 Chronicles 20:12 – “Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”
Matthew 7:7 – “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.”
Luke 18:17 – “Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Proverbs 3:5 – Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.”
Philippians 1:6 – “being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Note: Unless otherwise noted all references provided are taken from the Berean Standard Bible.
