But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered. – Jonah 4:7
I’ve had moments in my life when I’ve acted just like Jonah. God gives me a clear command, but instead of obeying with a grateful heart, I grumble. I focus on what I don’t want to do, letting self-centeredness cloud my view of God’s goodness. Jonah was no different. He obeyed God’s call to preach to Nineveh, but his heart wasn’t in it. He wanted judgment for those people, not mercy. And when God provided a leafy plant to shade him from the scorching sun that hot afternoon, Jonah was happy – but only for himself. Then God sent a worm to destroy that plant, and Jonah’s comfort vanished. He became furious, exposing his incredibly selfish attitude.
That worm was God’s tool to shift Jonah’s perspective. Sometimes God allows circumstances in my life that I don’t want. Maybe it’s a really hard challenge that I’d rather not have to endure. Or maybe it’s the loss of something that I love, or an outcome that didn’t go the way I was hoping it would. God will allow those things to get my attention, so that I can refocus my heart. I may not like it when He allows those things to happen, but they’re His way of reminding me to look beyond myself. He wants me to see His bigger plan… His mercy, His faithfulness, even when I’m tempted to dwell on my discomfort.
Jonah missed the blessings around him because he was fixated on his own agenda. So many times I’m guilty of the same, ignoring God’s provision while chasing my own desires. But God, in His love, uses “worms” – those unwelcome circumstances – to teach me gratitude and trust. So when I go through these trials, I would do well to pause and ask Him, “Lord, what are you trying to teach me?”
I thank God for His patience with me, even when I’m self-centered and grumbling. I thank Him for the “worms” that He sends into my life so that I can realign my will to His. I trust His purpose and His goodness, even when it brings me pain or discomfort. I know He loves me, I know He cares about me, and everything He sends me is designed for my good and His ultimate glory.
Former Blackout Artist 