Rerouted: 30 Days Through the Book of JonahSample

Slumbering in Sin

Shelby Worsham

Jonah 1:5-6

My mom loved telling the story of how I, as a child, startled her awake. She described how I crept into her room, poked her side, and cried “Mommy!” in my loudest voice. In my defense, I remember it differently! I whispered her name, a little louder each time. After a few tries, I tapped her shoulder and spoke more emphatically, finally accomplishing my purpose.

It took more than a whisper to wake my mother that night, just as it took much to wake Jonah from his physical and spiritual slumber. Jonah, attempting to flee from God, slept through a tempest. The seasoned sailors on his boat weren’t afraid of ordinary storms, yet here “the mariners were afraid, and each cried out to his god. And they hurled the cargo that was in the ship into the sea," all while Jonah "was fast asleep” (Jonah 1:5).

These men cried out to gods they believed controlled the wind and waves, but their cries were unanswered. Desperate, the captain urged Jonah to pray to his God (Jonah 1:6).

The sailors had the right idea. They needed supernatural salvation. But they didn't realize Jonah served the one true God, the only One with authority over the wind and waves. As Proverbs 30:4 asks, “Who has gathered the wind in his fists … What is his name, and what is his son's name?" The answer is the same one Jesus gave His disciples during a storm: "It is I; do not be afraid" (John 6:20).

Jonah needed this reminder. The storm was a consequence of his disobedience, meant to awaken him both physically and spiritually.

This also begs us to ask: Are there areas of our lives where we are “slumbering” in sin?

Scripture urges believers to awake from spiritual indifference (Romans 13:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:6). Yet how easily we grow complacent. Gossip becomes a habit. Success becomes an idol. An escape turns into an addiction. We slumber…while Satan prowls like a lion, ready to devour (1 Peter 5:8).

Thankfully, God pursues us. He pursued Jonah with a storm and used sailors to call him to prayer. Today, He gives us the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-8) and fellow believers for accountability.

Oh, friend, may our hearts be receptive so we can awake to God's whisper.