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"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you."

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God Speaks & Creation Listens (9/12)- God Commands a Fish to Swallow & Release Jonah

Writer's picture: BeTheFireBeTheFire

Large whale coming out of the ocean.

Jonah, a prophet of God, was commanded to go to Nineveh and deliver a message of repentance. Instead of obeying, Jonah fled in the opposite direction, boarding a ship to Tarshish. But Jonah couldn’t outrun God. A violent storm arose, threatening to sink the ship. Realizing that his disobedience was the cause of the storm, Jonah told the sailors to throw him overboard.


Here’s where the extraordinary happens:

“Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.” (Jonah 1:17, NKJV)

Isn’t it amazing that "the Lord had prepared a great fish"? God didn’t just wing it when Jonah went overboard—He had the fish on standby, fully briefed on its assignment. It’s as if the fish got its divine marching orders: “Alright, big guy, your job is to swallow—not chew—this runaway prophet and keep him safe for three days.”🤔👀


The fish wasn’t a punishment; it was protection. Instead of Jonah perishing in the sea, God used this custom-designed "submarine" to preserve him, giving him time to reflect, repent, and realign with his mission. It’s a reminder that even when we’re running from God, He’s already steps ahead, preparing a way to rescue and restore us.


While in the belly of the fish, Jonah offers a heartfelt prayer:

“In my distress I called to the Lord, and He answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and You listened to my cry.” (Jonah 2:2, NIV)

Distress? Let’s define it Jonah-style: being in the belly of a fish takes “distress” to a whole new level. It’s not just a bad day or a tough break—it’s literally death’s door. Imagine sitting in the digestive waiting room of a sea creature, realizing you’re one step away from being lunch.


Yet even in this ultimate low point, Jonah acknowledges God’s power and mercy. He doesn’t blame God for his situation but instead turns to Him as the only source of rescue and salvation. Jonah realizes that no matter how dire and extreme the circumstances, God holds the key to rescue and restoration.


Jonah’s response while inside the fish reflects a significant shift in his heart. His distress brought him to a place of humility, leading him to recognize his dependence on God. Through his prayer, Jonah acknowledges God’s power, justice, and mercy, ultimately repenting and declaring that salvation belongs to the Lord. This pivotal moment of renewed faith and submission set the stage for Jonah’s release and the continuation of God’s mission through him.


It’s a powerful reminder that even when life swallows us whole, God’s grace can bring us back. 🐟🙏✨
“Salvation comes from the Lord.” (Jonah 2:9, NIV)

When Jonah’s heart turns back to God, the next command is issued:

“And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.” (Jonah 2:10, NIV)

A man cornered by a large whale beneath the ocean.

The same God who commands the wind and waves also directs the creatures of the sea to fulfill His divine purpose. This moment in Jonah’s story reveals that nothing in creation is outside of God’s control, as He orchestrates even the most unexpected events to achieve His will.


God’s actions reveal His mercy in the midst of discipline. The great fish wasn’t just a consequence of Jonah’s disobedience; it was also a vessel of salvation. Rather than allowing Jonah to perish in the sea, God used the fish to preserve his life and give him a second chance to align with His purpose. This act demonstrates that God’s discipline is not about punishment for its own sake but about restoration and redemption.


Here are a few key points from this story:

You Can’t Outrun God:No matter how far we run or how deeply we try to hide, God’s plans for us cannot be stopped. Like Jonah, we may resist, but God’s calling will pursue us.

God Uses the Unexpected: Who would’ve imagined a fish as part of God’s rescue plan? This reminds us that God’s methods may not align with our expectations, but they are always perfect for His purpose.
A girl riding on the back of a large fish or whale

Mercy in the Midst of Discipline: God’s discipline is not meant to destroy but to correct and restore. The fish was a place of isolation but also of salvation.

Repentance Brings Restoration: Jonah’s prayer is a testament to the power of turning back to God. No matter how far we fall, repentance opens the door to God’s grace.

God’s Mission is Bigger Than Us: Jonah’s story reminds us that our obedience affects more than just ourselves. God’s plan for Nineveh involved Jonah, but Jonah’s disobedience delayed the message that could save an entire city and also could have capsized a boat full of innocent men.

A girl underwater looking at a large fish with teeth showing



Where in your life are you running from God’s call? Is there a “storm” or a “great fish” that God is using to get your attention? Don’t wait for the belly of the fish to turn back to Him. Let Jonah’s story inspire you to listen, obey, and trust that God’s plans are always good—even when they lead to unexpected places.


God’s sovereignty, mercy, and patience are evident in Jonah’s story. Just as He used a fish to redirect Jonah, He can use anything to bring us back to His purpose. The question is: Will we respond in obedience and faith?






Amanda Allen, the author of Kingdom Revelations, holds the copyright to her works and art. Copyright © Amanda Allen, Kingdom Revelations, 2025. All rights reserved. This article may be shared with acknowledgment of the author and the original source.

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