No, it's not a new Bible story--it's the same wonderful story--and I know--it was NOT a whale--it was a big FISH! Now that we've straightened out that theological twist that you might bring up...and THAT was an unintended pun...grin..., let me assure you, in any event, it WAS deep!

How do I know? Cause I've been there--and so have you! DOWN in the belly of the DEEP--the dark places of life that cause discouragement, despair and defeat! Jonah, God's servant had disobeyed the Lord, and so his deep-water experience was a consequence he had to pay. Sometimes we obey the Lord, and it still happens. Why? And what to do?

We certainly don't have all the answers now--someday we will. Until then, I'm sure there are lessons to be learned "down in the belly of the deep"--and there ARE lessons to be learned from the story of Jonah. He's just "come up" onto shore, he's dripping wet, smelly and sea-weeded, but he's safe, and he sure is smiling, as he heads towards the Well to tell us his side of the story...

A Helping Word...or Two!

God's presence was there!

Sure, I was DOWN--and I deserved it. Disobedient servant that I was, He did not desert me. Down in the belly of the deep, I found His presence to be real, and to be my only hope. He had me just where He wanted me, and I learned--did I learn! I will never disobey His call again--and I will always remember, however deep and dark are my surroundings, HE IS THERE!

And His presence will be there for you too. Be still enough--long enough--and you will hear His voice of comfort, instruction, guidance and relief. His presence is all you need--and He'll be there for you!

God's power was there!

Sure, I was DOWN--and I deserved it. Helpless that I was, He did not forsake me. I cried out to Him in repentent prayer, He heard, and He rescued me. I had no power to save myself--HOW do you escape from the belly of a big fish! But God--Creator of me AND the big fish--knew exactly what to do. He delivered me up onto dry ground--HIS POWER WAS THERE!

And His power will be there for you too. However impossible the circumstance, however deep the despair, He knows. He can and He will deliver--that's His promise and you can claim it this day. His power is as mighty today--as it was in my day. Believe it--His power will work for you!

God's plan was there!

Sure, I was DOWN--and I deserved it. Distressed as I was, He did not forget me. He had a plan for my life, and as soon as I learned my lesson in the deep, He was ready for me to proceed with that plan. Waiting for God, when you're in the deep, is not fun--but it teaches valuable lessons you'll not learn elsewhere. I learned--DID I learn--and I will forever trust His judgment and His ways, not my own. He had a purpose for it all--GOD'S PLAN WAS THERE!

And His plan will be there for you too. He will rescue you from the "belly of the deep" in His time and in His way--for He has a perfect plan for your life. You're not destined to stay down in the belly of the deep forever. There's an exit passageway planned just for you--just as sure as there was one for me. Believe it--it WILL come to pass.

Are you going through some "down-time" in your life? It's no picnic on the beach, no seaside party--but remember, His presence, His power and His plan are treasures you will find in the deep. Pray--praise--and prepare yourself for what's coming ahead! This TOO shall pass! Take courage and strength--and hope--from Jonah, who's "been there/done that" and survived to serve his Lord...and so will you! Believe it--and have a great week!

His Healing Words

"I Believe."
May His presence fill your heart with song!
Find the lyrics and tune here for the song now playing on this page.

"...my prayer is unto thee, O Lord...let me be delivered...out of the deep waters. Let not the wateflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up...hear me, O Lord; for thy lovingkindness is good...hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble. Hear me speedily (Psalm 69:13-17)."

"Lord, it's dark--and deep, and I'm down. I look up to You "from whence cometh my help." Help me to know You are there, Your power is working for me, Your plan will not fail. Deliver me in Your time and in Your way, In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Your Weekly Assignment: Read Words from the Well poem and let the Lord minister to you.
He will, I promise! He is a faithful God and will be faithful to you today!

FEATURED LINK
The Prayer Room at Peggie's Place!

PRO-LIFE FEATURE: Child of Sorrow...Child of Peace!--A pro-life devotional by Peggie

HOLIDAY FEATURE: Halloween: A Christian Perspective

SEASONAL FEATURE: "Peggie Breaks" for OCTOBER!

A place to enjoy other devotionals!

I'm blessed with a wonderful "virtual web family," many close friends
who not only help to keep me sane and smiling, but write wonderful devotionals.
Enjoy their spiritual insights--and their sites as well!

A Virtual Web Family (by Charlene Fairchild)

Cup of Cold Water--by my friend Charlene Fairchild

Visit with my friend Barb! Food from the Master's Table

A Daily Dose of God's Word from Barbara's Entourage

Stop in at Georgia's Place (she's a good cook too!) - Pastors Wives' Prayer and Praise Page

Dare to be a Treasure Hunter--by my good friend Vickie

Peggie's List of Devotional Resources

Want to know more about that woman at the well? Read her story in Bible Gateway.com - John+4:1-42">John 4:1-42.

Further inspirational reading (by Charlene Elizabeth Fairchild):

Woman of Samaria

Woman at the Well Bible Study, Part 1

Woman at the Well Bible Study, Part 2

"...whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst,
but the water that I shall give him shall be in him
a well of water springing up into everlasting life (John 4: 14 KJV)."

With thanks to Songs of Praise for the beautiful music playing at Peggie's Place.

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Most of the music playing at Peggie's Place originates from Songs of Praise.
Visit their great Web site to hear beautiful tunes by many talented artists. CDs are available.

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Please note that while I strongly adhere to major tenets of the evangelical Christian faith, I may not personally agree with every specific doctrinal belief set forth in other Christian pages. I do want to provide a diversity of links and resource material for the entire Body of Christ to enjoy, and trust you will view it as such.

A safety tip: Internet links and material may include other links and/or material which do not reflect my Christian views or yours. Please choose wisely and use with discretion! And if you find an ugly spider hiding in a dark corner, you may smash it with a broom from my BROOM CLOSET--I hate offensive stuff too!

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