Growth for Today with Joel Norris

Jonah Wanted Judgment. God Chose Grace.

That question from Jonah chapter 4 still confronts believers today. Jonah wanted judgment, but God chose mercy. Instead of celebrating repentance, Jonah isolated himself and struggled with bitterness toward God’s plan.

The Simplicity of Obedience to God

“The simplicity of obedience to God is better than the complexity of our own disobedience.” That idea captures the entire book of Jonah. Jonah complicated his life by running from God’s clear instruction. But when he finally obeyed, God used a simple message to completely change Nineveh.

What If the Hard Thing in Your Life Was Prepared by God?

Jonah’s story reminds us that God’s mercy can meet us even in the middle of disobedience, frustration, and failure. Sometimes the very thing we would call a setback is the thing God is using to bring us back to Him.

When God Uses Imperfect Moments to Reveal His Perfect Will

Storms in life are often seen as trials to survive, but they reveal something deeper. They are not meant to help you understand yourself better. They are meant to teach you about God.

Finding Comfort in the Wrong Direction

Jonah is on a sinking ship, yet he sleeps. Around him, men cry out to their gods and throw everything overboard to survive. They search for answers everywhere, but not in the one place that can truly save them.