In the espionage case against Alger Hiss, Whittaker Chamberlin produced evidence that was once hidden on his Maryland farm in a hollowed out pumpkin. The evidence became known as the "Pumpkin Patch Papers." We might think it’s odd to hide important papers in a pumpkin, but sometimes we try to hide things from God. We find ourselves in a pickle because we ignore our Heavenly Father. Then with our backs up against the wall, we turn to Him in prayer.
One of the most desperate prayers in the Bible was prayed by Jonah from the belly of the whale. He was in a dark cramp place, gastric juices were soaking his clothes, and seaweed was wrapped around his head. Jonah found himself at Hell’s doorsteps. But with God’s help, he made a comeback. In his prayer of desperation, we see that he was honest, made a confession, and then was thankful.
The first step is to be honest with God and ourselves. How many times do we try to hide our thoughts or actions from God? When we realize that God already knows, we are tempted to make excuses for our actions. "The woman gave me the fruit." excuse is still alive and well. If that doesn’t work, then we try to find something "good" in a sinful situation. We look for whatever good we can find, and somehow claim God's blessings and approval. By doing this, we become guilty of trying to plan God's will. Instead of mental mind games, we need to honest with ourselves and admit we sinned.
Another problem we face, is trying to go it alone. Too often, we cling to our own way of doing things. In Jonah 2:8 we read, They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy (KJV). In this verse we see a glimpse of the Gospel, the Pharisees missed out on salvation because they depended on their system of religion, the outcast and the tax collectors were saved by trusting in Christ. By depending on deceitful pride we forsake God’s mercy. When we realize that God is our only hope, we are able to thank him for our salvation, no matter what situation we find ourselves in.
Jonah thanked God during his "in the belly of a whale experience." It is easy to thank Him when all is going well, but another thing when our world is falling apart. In the good times, we say a quick thank you, and then tend to forget about God, resting on our accomplishments. When we fall on hard times, we run to God. Jonah was in the whale’s belly, but he didn’t try to barter with God. He didn’t say to God I will praise you if I get out of the whale’s belly. Jonah realized that God was his only hope, and lifted up his voice in thanksgiving.
True confession is followed by true repentance. Which is followed by action on our part otherwise, our confessions are worthless. When we come to God on our merits we fall short. He loves us, but he is only impressed with us, when we approach Him through the blood of Christ. Otherwise he looks at us like we are filthy rags.
We learn from Jonah that no situation is out of God's reach. When we hear the jeering voice of despair, we can turn to God. Prayer is more than empty thoughts thrown out on a spiritual wavelength. Jonah’s prayer was a result of his change of heart. He was no longer trying to run from God, but was looking forward to worshipping God in the temple. It's good to know that God's grace can reach any where, even to a belly of a whale.
