Things To Do In The Belly Of A Whale: Dream Again

When we find ourselves in an uncomfortable or difficult place, it’s time to dream again.

Jonah spent 3 days in the belly of a whale. Unfortunately, he emerged from the whale with the same world-view / vision / perspective he had when he was swallowed by the whale. His dislike for “those people” kept him from wanting to be part of God’s plan to deliver grace and salvation to them.

Rather than coming through his “belly of a whale” experience with a fresh perspective and a clear vision from God, Jonah saw the world the same old way.

Jonah didn’t see himself as privileged to be part of God’s dream for the city because Jonah was holding on to his own old dream of the way things should be.

Basically, in life, we can do things our way or God’s way.

Another Bible character, Moses, had a dream to see his people delivered from Egypt. He tried things his way—ended up killing a guy, and living in exile for 40 years.

Then God said (I’m paraphrasing), It’s time to dream again. Are you ready to be part of my dream for you and these people? Are you ready to do things my way?

Psalm 127.1 says, “Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.”

I believe we could apply this concept to our dreams as well…

Unless the Lord gives the dream, the dreamer will constantly be frustrated.

Jonah held on to his old dream.

But it was time to dream again.

Maybe it’s time for us to dream again too, asking God…

What do you want to do in my life?

What do you want to do in my city?

What do you want to do in my church?

“God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us…” (Ephesians 3.20 MSG)

I believe it’s time to dream again.