But this greatly displeased Jonah, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord, “O Lord, is this not what I said while I was still in my own country? This is why I fled at first toward Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger, abounding in kindness, repenting of punishment. Jonah 4:1-3
Since the people of Nineveh repent, God decides not to punish them. One would think that Jonah would be happy about that outcome, but he is actually angry. Because of his narrow-minded vindictiveness, Jonah did not wish the Lord to forgive the Ninevites. Jonah did not want to be a part of this plan from the beginning, and now he has contributed to a city of enemies being saved instead of overthrown.
Let’s not forget that God’s voice often calls us out of our comfort zone. Change is never easy, but if we get out of our comfort zone, we will really grow. God challenges us to grow because he cares more about our character than our comfort.
Pray today for the grace to go outside your comfort zone when God is calling you to do so.