One Willing Person

From 1300-609 BC, Assyria was a leading power in the ancient world. Assyria’s ruthless army struck terror in their opponents by burning cities, killing children, and chopping off hands. Hoping to persuade their adversaries to submit, they practiced excessive cruelty toward any who resisted.

However, during the time of Jonah, Assyria was preoccupied with other problems and was less of a threat to its neighbors. To take advantage of their comparative weakness, Israel and other nations formed a coalition. But this strategy failed. The coalition soon split up, and Assyria once again began making relentless conquests.

However, God had another plan in mind. He simply sent one man—Jonah—into Nineveh (Assyria’s capital). Jonah brought no armies, proposals, or partnerships. He simply called Nineveh to repent of their sins. And that one man accomplished God’s purposes: The people of Nineveh repented, and lives were changed.

What makes this story more amazing is that Jonah was reluctant to accept his assignment. But through his example, we see that God can work even through a reluctant messenger. If we will obey Him, He can work in powerful ways.

The world often looks to military, economic, and political power. But God looks for people whose hearts are sensitive and committed to Him, who have faith and will trust Him. He can do more through the life of one person who is fully surrendered to Him than an entire nation can do with its armies.

How about you? Are you willing to believe and obey God? Commit your life to Him today, and ask Him what He wants you to do. Remember: With God, nothing is impossible!