Resilience in the Face of Adversity: What Jonah Teaches Us Today
Here are pragmatic life lessons you can learn from a runaway Prophet.
Hello Genius!!
I started this newsletter with one goal in mind. That goal is to spark the genius in young creatives who are tired of where they are or feel stuck.
We all have been there at one point. These letters contain hacks and tricks for personal development and growth.
Today’s newsletter dives into an ancient tale and contrasts it with modern life lessons.
This letter will take you about ~7 minutes to read, and you can check out the last article at the end.
If you read this in 2024, you must be imagining where I have been in the past few months. It is understandable. I somehow feel a bit old typing this to you right now. That is because it feels like a decade ago when I last wrote to you. I know this isn’t what we agreed but then we are here
Quite a handful has occurred between my last letter to you and this. Not much has changed but I believe you have seen change. Not to bore you with the past. Let’s dive into this letter.
Now more than ever, we need the reassurance of God’s presence over our lives and nations.
In just eight months into 2024, several countries have been dealing with protests and insurrections of different forms, shapes and impacts but one thing is constant, GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL. That very fact is the essence of my letter to you.
God’s covering and assurance are what keep the believer secure. Even when the believers seem to be acting contrary to God’s will, under sonship, such one is somehow still protected from the challenges around the world.
Jonah is one example that readily comes to mind when people talk about running away from God. You know why right? Yeah, the prophet who ran away from God’s assignment; who was swallowed by a large fish.
I was always fascinated whenever I heard the story back then. How did he survive in the belly of a fish for three days? Well, I know they won’t admit it but that's where the inspiration for a submarine was gotten. As I said, they won’t admit it.
Moving on, considering what we know about being guilty, one would have expected Jonah to be the most restless person on the boat.
I have done things that I knew would get me flogged by my parent. At such a time, sleep was the least on my mind. I won’t even dare to blink a lid, let alone sleep. But here was a man running away from GOD!
However, that was not the case for Jonah. This dude was sound asleep like nothing was on his mind. Somehow, I believe he was still convinced the covering of God was on him, so much so that he slept peacefully while every person onboard the ship was panicking.
It is important to note however, that being a son is not an excuse to live a wayward life but it is an assurance of God’s protection no matter what comes your way.
Eventually, the captain of the ship, probably taking stock of the people onboard, knew he would have to give an account of the lives of all. I imagine he was surprised and probably a little perplexed that despite the panic mood everyone was in, he was an Israelite sleeping soundly.
Jonah was probably snoring for the passage to say “deep sleep” That phrase was also used in the case of Adam during the creation of Eve. Also in the case of Jesus in a similar situation. Jonah was in a different realm. He probably was thinking of what to do when he got to Tarshish.
The captain woke him up and quickly briefed him on what was happening. Also, he prays to his God for safety. Ony if the captain knew that this man was running away from his God.
Humans Always Gravitate Towards Solutions
One key truth was established in this tale. Men would naturally gravitate towards what they hold dear whenever a crisis arises. Some will resort to their money, connections, and objects to God, depending on what they consider to receive help.
People Care Little Where Solutions Come From
Secondly, when there is a crisis, people care little about where the source of help comes from.
The captain didn't bother to ask what tribe or God Jonah served. All he pleaded was “Pray to your god, maybe he will hear and have mercy on us”.
What that meant was, that anyone who could calm the story, would be considered the hero, even if it was a runaway prophet, it mattered little to them.
The same is true for men when there is a crisis. People are quick to forget their differences when they face a life-threatening event.
For instance, if someone close to you is having a baby and is rushed to the labour room, you would care if the doctor was white, black or even golden.
You won't care if they studied at Johns Hopkins or next door. All that matters is their ability to produce the best possible outcome.
You have been called to shine your light in a dark world. You won't do this by condemning or being judgmental. But rather by providing solutions.
The truth is, that people generally do not care about your God or religious affiliation. What they are after are solutions to their problems.
The Prophet, Jonah was asked by God, to preach at Niveah. But he ran away from it. However, when the storm was calmed miraculously, these crew members did not forget God in a hurry. That singular act preached a thousand sermons.
Your world needs you to solve more problems; and not just pray and talk about your faith. There is nothing wrong in preaching Christ, after all, that is our primary assignment.
However, we will reach more souls if we pay little attention to solving the needs of people and not try to shove our beliefs on them. God is counting on you to be an example for his kingdom, don't blow it.
Here is the Crux of the Matter
Like in the days of Jonah, it seems like there is an overwhelming storm ahead and you sense fear taking hold of you. Here is a reminder for you that God still got you.
Also, you might think you're running away from God’s assignment but unknowingly to you, God is using that same action for the propagation of his agenda.
In every circumstance, God is glorified. Let that be a guiding light for you. You can't catch God by surprise, remember he knows the end from the beginning so why bother?
Are you running like brother Jonah? Here is your call to return.
Does it seem like you're far from God yet you seem to be enjoying his protection? Wonder not. God is very committed to us even when we're not.
However, he expects you to recognize your actions and return to him. Never take the grace you enjoy for granted. One day, you will give an account. You would be forgiven but the consequences will still be meted out to you. Return now, while you still can!
Don’t wait till you’re in the belly of a whale to have an epiphany. This is your wake-up call. Get back up!
Until I write to you again, don’t stop being a Genius!
James Iroro
The Genius Note
I hope you learned a thing or two from this letter.
I recommend you check out my latest book. In this guide, I shared eight core pillars to pay attention to if you desire to experience a different level in your life.
If done correctly, you set the pillar for a transformative life. Get your copy here.
Magic awaits you on the other side.
James Iroro
Inkgenius Consult
It's good to read your newsletter from you once again. Every religious person needs to hear this... "Your world needs you to solve more problems; and not just pray and talk about your faith. There is nothing wrong in preaching Christ, after all, that is our primary assignment."