By Rae Lynn DeAngelis

“But the LORD provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights.” (Jonah 1:17)

So much is packed into this tiny verse for us to glean. In this verse we’re told that the LORD provided a great fish to swallow Jonah. At first glance, this doesn’t seem to be a manner of provision at all.

Jonah then spent three days and nights in the belly of the great fish – not very pleasant accommodations to be sure. Scientists explain that the acid from the fish’s stomach would have disintegrated all the hair from Jonah’s body and stripped away the pigment from his skin. When the fish finally spewed Jonah out, he likely looked and smelled pretty bad. And this was God’s provision for Jonah?

“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the LORD. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Perhaps you can relate to Jonah’s undesirable provisions from the LORD. The loss of a job, loved one, home, health, or some other type of hardship might cause us to experience feelings of abandonment, confusion, uncertainty, and fear.

I am not suggesting that God causes all of our calamities. We live in a fallen world, and because of this reality, we experience hard times in life. I do believe, however, that God uses our adversity, difficulty, and tragedy to bring about His intended purpose for our lives.

A lost job teaches us to be more dependent on God. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:33-34)

Challenging circumstances make us more compassionate towards others in similar situations. “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” (Philippians 2:1-2)

Losing someone we thought we could never live without teaches us that God is the only one who can accept that responsibility in our lives. He will never leave or forsake us. Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” (Psalm 27:10)

Declining health forces us to rest and trust God more. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

The loss of a home or other earthly possession teaches us to put less emphasis on the things of this world. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

Strained relationships better equip us to live in harmony with others. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18)

Like Jonah, no matter what we face in life, if we keep God at the center, we will one day see how God really did provide during those dark and difficult days. “Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’” (John 13:7)  “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)