Never fear the whale. Let me explain.
I am guessing that most are familiar with the Biblical story of a prophet named Jonah – the man who attempted to flee from God’s request and ended up being swallowed by a whale, and three days later was spit up on a beach. Needless to say, at least for the most part, lesson learned.
But that is precisely my point, getting swallowed up, and feeling spit out, can become your greatest of moments. Think about it, the story of Jonah has been shared for thousands of years.
See, I contend, the road less traveled is the road best walked. And there is no better example of this than the Via Dolorosa – the road on which Jesus walked to the cross. He did not fear the whale, and I am sure we are all grateful for that gift, right?
My friends, life is filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, pleasures and pains, of which all are endless opportunities for us to grow. This is why Paul wrote, “Rejoice in your struggles, knowing that they produce endurance, and endurance always produces character” (Romans 5:3-4) – we can grow. James wrote, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life” (James 1:12) – there is so much to gain. Or as Henry Kissinger once quipped, “Consider a priceless diamond, a chunk of coal that did well under pressure” – never fear the whale.
