Jonah 2:1

From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God.
(NIV)

I have never been in a fish. I hope to never be in a fish, but there have been many times that I have been in a similar predicament.

I have been like Jonah. I have been walking the opposite way from the way God would have me to go. Sometimes it has been a life decision, like Jonah's. I knew that God wanted me to go a certain way, but I didn't want to go that way. Eventually I convinced myself that I was doing the right thing. I was acting "wisely" to some observers, but in my heart I knew the truth.

Sometimes it isn't some major life decision, but a simple command. God's way has been laid out for me, but I just simply don't want to do it. I want to do things my way instead of His way. So I head the opposite direction and find myself in a fish (figuratively speaking).

Have you ever been in a "fish" situation in your life? You have gone the wrong way and you end up in a smelly, sticky situation. I don't believe that Jonah is the first one to end up in a fish, and I am sure he won't be the last one.

Notice though that Jonah, once he is in the belly, begins to pray. Jonah chapter 2 is that prayer. As we read through it, I hope that you consider your own belly of the fish situations. Many people truly find God when they are in the worst of situations.