I once watched a man-on-the-street television interview where the question was asked: “Who was swallowed by a whale?” Most remembered the story, but couldn’t remember the name. But one confident man replied, “Japetto”. Its amazing what we know.

Did you know that Jonah was swallowed, not once, but three times? He was first swallowed up by prejudice. He hated the Ninevites and wanted them to feel God’s wrath (Jonah 4:2). Secondly, he was swallowed up by the sea. His shipmates threw him overboard during a storm. And thirdly, Jonah was swallowed up by a great fish that God had prepared (1:7).

God sometimes allows us to face frightening circumstances so that we will learn to trust and obey Him. It’s always best to obey the Lord right away – then we won’t be “swallowed up”.