Struggling With Setbacks
Jonah refused God’s first request to follow Him. Instead, Jonah experienced:
From the book of Jonah):
Shock at God’s request (1:1-3)
Anger/Guilt (1:2)
Bargaining (1:3, 6, 12; 2:9 - "vow")
Depression (1:12; 2:4, 5, 7)
Hostility (4:1-3)
Only temporary acceptance of God’s will for him (2:9; 3:1-3; 4:1-3).
Needs the Church can Meet
Paul found the help he needed to make the transition from outsider to disciple
From Acts:
Finding Listening and Trusting People(9:17)
Finding Helping Friendships (9:26-28)
Finding God’s Love from God’s People (11:25-26)
Finding a Ministry Outlet (11:27-30; 12:15; 13:1-3)
Many times, we miss the simple things we can do and wish we could do more. In the same chapter Paul told the Romans to be "transformed by the renewing of their minds" he went on to pen these words:
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. 20 Therefore
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head."
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:14-21 (NKJV)
We can overcome many evils in our lives and the lives of others with the good, even simple good things, we can do right now.
