Summary:

There are many battles we go through simply because we are Christians, but others we bring on ourselves. When we disobey God, He may allow us to
go through certain trials. However, when we return to Him, we are
restored. God desires that we obey Him so that we can avoid unnecessary
trials. When we obey Him, He will bless us.


  1. Why does God allow us to go through trials?
    1. He allows trials to come our way because He loves us and does not want us to stray from His chosen path for our lives.
      1. Although we may have troubles in life, God will bring us out of them (Psalm 71:20).
      2. God’s correction is a benefit to us in the long run (Job 5:17, 18, AMP).
    2. God will allow trials in our lives because He wants to get our attention.
      1. Everyday concerns, distractions, and activities can lead us out of the will of God for our lives.
      2. Other people can also cause us to get out of God’s will.
      3. We must acknowledge God in all we do so we can stay on track.
  2. God allowed Jonah to go through hardship because he would not obey Him.
    1. God told Jonah to go to Nineveh to warn the people of His impending judgment on their city (Jonah 1:1, 2).
    2. Jonah tried to run from God but later discovered he could not get away from Him (Jonah 1:3-17).
      1. He boarded a ship to go to Tarshish; however, God caused a strong wind on the sea, which almost caused the ship, and everyone on it, to go down.
      2. Other people are affected by our disobedience.
    3. How long will it take you to obey God?
      1. We should obey God in every situation.
      2. For example, we must obey Him in our love walk with others.
      3. We must examine ourselves daily.
  3. Unfortunately, Jonah had to go through a few unusual trials before he turned back to the Lord (Jonah 2:4-7).
    1. After being thrown into the sea, he spent three days and nights in the belly of a whale.
      1. He described his dilemma vividly. It appears that he died and went to hell during the whole experience.
      2. Only then did Jonah cry out to God and repent.
    2. God told Jonah again to go to Nineveh and preach the message. This time he obeyed.
      1. The people responded to the message immediately and began to fast and pray.
      2. God had mercy on them and decided to spare them.
      3. However, Jonah was displeased with God’s decision to have mercy on them (Jonah 4:1).
  4. God wants to get our attention for three reasons.
    1. He wants us to see our true selves.
      1. Many times, we do not want to face reality.
      2. We need to have a self-realization when we are in denial about a particular area of our lives (Psalm 38:1-18, AMP).
      3. The worst position we can find ourselves in as Christians is self deception.
      4. If we will judge ourselves, we will not be judged.
      5. Judging ourselves is not a one-time event, but a lifestyle.
    2. He wants us to hear His voice.
      1. We need more than food to live and thrive each day; we need God’s Word.
      2. His Word supplies everything we will ever need in life.
    3. He wants to get our attention so we will choose His way.

Scripture References:

  • Psalm 71:20
  • Job 5:17, 18, AMP
  • Jonah 1:1, 2
  • Jonah 1:3-17
  • Jonah 2:4-7
  • Jonah 4:1
  • Psalm 38:1-18, AMP