Jonah 4:5-6
Jonah went out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. Then the LORD God provided a vine and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the vine.
What happens when you try to move from a state of comfortableness to discomfort? Things began to change, unnecessarily and necessarily. I began to think of us as people. It’s hard to understand the how and why’s of God’s actions. We’re reminded that there’s a Parakletos (Greek word for comforter) that surrounds us in the midst of discomfort. I began to think of Jonah, even though he didn’t want God’s compassion on the people, he went to speak to Nineveh after the second request, at that time they begin to fast, wearing sackcloth which symbolizes repentance, and they were requested to urgently call on God (3:8 NIV). When God saw what they did, He turned them from their evil ways (3:10).
Discomfort began to resurface, in chapter 1 Jonah didn’t want to go to Nineveh as God called; in Chapter 4 (last chapter) he was angry, because God found compassion in chapter 3. Jonah began to get like many of us, bitter when we should be happy. Why is it so hard to be happy for someone, especially when you’ve seen God move in their life? I noticed Jonah was fine as long as God was blessing him, but he became angry when Nineveh was spared. Jonah was ready to die, so God provided a vine and allowed it to cover Jonah as a shade for his head to ease him from discomfort and he was happy. Then God provided a worm to chew the vine and the next day he allowed a storm, which caused Jonah to become faint. How is it so easy to be more sensitive to our needs than those around us? I want you to know, God is concerned about you as well as the lost. Life may seem to discomfort you, be mindful that John 14 (v 16-17) reminds us, And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever–The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you.
The comforter (Parakletos) is with you at all times. I began to wonder if Jonah remembered that the same God who kept the fish from swallowing him was the same God who had mercy/compassion on Nineveh, because they obeyed him. The same God allowed the vine to comfort Jonah, and also allowed him to be in a state of discomfort. This should be a great illustration that God answers those who calls upon His name and are willing to sacrifice. He isn’t selective on blessings, but sometimes we’re selective on calling on His name! Allow him to be your comforter while you’re discomforted!! He’s there, just heed His word, then you can receive His mercy and not his punishment! Be happy when God finds compassion on others, did you realize He found compassion on you? Remove the pride and extend thanks for all He has done and is currently doing! He allowed you to have discomfort in comfortableness, so you’d realize you’re too complacent in the current place and there must be a change! Being uncomfortable will allow you to depend and trust God’s word! In the midst of your discomfort the comforter is there to provide, protect and purpose you!
Remember: When there’s Complacency there must be Change….allowing room for growth!
A Word from Chelseia 
Just what I needed, you were a blessing when we worked together and you are still a blessing, now. Thanks so much for this word from our father God. God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, I believe this and thank him for his previous gift.
Glenda Davies
Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.
Maya Angelou
I love reading these!!!! They’re ALWAYS on time! Bless you!!!