by Tini Tadeo-Castillo
Like Jonah, it took a drastic situation for me to learn a lesson and obey His command. Like Jonah, I resisted, struggled and turned my back on His will for me. I followed my heart's desire, chased after idols, ran away from God's presence. But there is nowhere to go where God isn't. He hurled a storm in my life for I was a rebel, I was tossed into the raging sea. But not before He prepared the tempest where I was thrown in. In despair and nowhere else to run, I sought the Lord. In pain, heartache and loneliness, He heard my cries, bound up all wounds and helped me up, showing grace and abounding love. He sent me to dry land but not without another calling--to share His love and be salt and light. In my frailty, I had yet another trepidation. I was reluctant and unwilling to love the unlovable. I was again resistant to call out to the prodigals forgetting that I once was the wayward daughter.
But God in His power and capacity, reminded me that His love is the same for all, and that with Christ now who lived in me, I am capable of loving others, even the unlovables and those who I used to view as enemies. Christ replaced the stony, stubborn heart I had and give me a tender, responsive one (Ezekiel 36:26). God empowered me and is still doing so, to show the love that I believed.
More importantly, God reminded me of the victory Jesus has won for me in Calvary. I know it, but there is so much more to knowing. It is living a life that is worthy of the price paid on that Cross for someone like me. Living a life that pleases Him, being worthy to be called His beloved daughter.