An Un-Asked-For Blessing

Jonah is one of my favorite books in the Bible. Jonah is one of the shortest books in one of the shortest sections of the scripture. It belongs to a corpus of writings known as the Minor Prophets, which are called “minor” not because of the insignificance of their content, but the brevity. Jonah only has 48 verses. But those 48 verses contain a wealth of drama and insight.

The plot of the book is simple. God asks Jonah to go preach a message to city called Nineveh. Jonah refuses, and boards a ship headed in the opposite direction. The ship sails into a storm. Realizing that his disobedience caused the storm, Jonah asks to be thrown overboard. A giant fish swallows him, and he prays to God for a second chance to fulfill his assignment while in the belly of the fish. God grants his request. Jonah finally goes to Nineveh, where his ministry is met with great success. The entire city turns to God. After all of that, you would think that Jonah would be happy. Instead, he is angry. Chapter 4:1 begins with the stunning observation that Jonah is so angry with God, that one translation says that he “yells at God.”

That observation alone is one of the reasons that I love the book of Jonah. That observation alone is one of the reasons that I love the Bible. I think more Christians would be much better people if they read the Bible more often. LOL. The Bible is a real book that deals with real people dealing with real issues and real problems. Jonah was angry with God because God forgave some people that Jonah did not want to be forgiven. He was so angry that he yelled. I have never yelled at God, but I have come close. I have never yelled at God, but I have been confused, irritated, and disappointed with God. And the reason is simple God doesn’t always do what we expect God to do.

During my prayer time a few days ago, I had an attitude with God and I let him know. I was irritated with God because I reviewed my last few prayer requests and realized that my prayer answer ratio has significantly decreased in recent months lol. That is to say, I have made several concrete requests of God—and not one of my requests have been met. I don’t ask God for much. But when I ask, I ask! I believe Ephesians 3:20 that “God is able to do “exceedingly abundant above all that we can ask or think.” I believe James 4:2 that “We have not because we ask not.” I believe Matthew 7:1 that if we “ask, we shall receive.” But recently, not one of my requests have been met.

This decrease in my prayer answer ration has not, and will not shake my faith. It has not, and will not affect my confidence. It has not, and will not affect my prayer life. It has just been irritating. Then, this week, out of the blue, I got an-asked-for blessing!

An un-asked-for blessing is a blessing that you did not ask for, but God gives you anyway!!! Needless to say, my irritation melted in praise. I don’t know why God does what God does. But I was reminded that God is always good. More importantly, God has been God for a long time—and doesn’t need our help. My recent experience reminded me of a poem I read sometime ago called “Prayer From A Confederate Solider.” I don’t like and will never understand the side he fought on, but I love the prayer. Here it is:

I asked God for strength that I might achieve. I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey. I asked for health that I might do greater things. I was given infirmity that I might do better things. I asked for riches that I might be happy. I was given poverty that I might be wise. I asked for power that I might have the praise of men. I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God. I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. I was given life that I might enjoy all things. I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I had hoped for. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.I am, among all men, most richly blessed.I am, among men, most richly blessed... if only because of You, Lord. Amen.

God may give you nothing that you ask for. But then turn around and give you everything that you hoped for.

Get ready for an un-asked-for Blessing!