Three Days and Three Nights

Jonah waited three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish until he decided to pray. The humility to rely on God to help us in our circumstances is often a long time coming. We are so proud. So desirous to be self-sufficient. I have found myself in the fish's belly before I was willing to surrender my will to His will. And often, it has taken a lot longer then three days. But the motivation has been the same: I have reached the point where all seems--all is--hopeless unless I rest on the truth: "Salvation is of the Lord."
And I love Jonah's prayer, Fully relying on the goodness of God, he claims no entitlement, just prays God's promises--six or seven times right out of the Psalms. The focus is on God's character not his worthiness. And he prays in the confidence that God hears his voice and will respond. And he closes his prayer with thanksgiving and submission to God's will for his life--his calling and his assignment.
And I love God's response. Forgiveness and restoration. Jonah had failed theologically--fleeing from an omnipresent God is not a good plan. Jonah had failed the test of compassion (and he would fail it again), but God put him back to service. Jonah had failed the test of self-pity. He wanted to die rather than fulfill his calling. But God put him back into service. And his fulfilling of his calling--even reluctantly--saved a generation of sinners--an entire city.
Been in the fishes' belly long? Humble yourself, and He will lift you up, and return you to service for Him. Reluctant to fulfill your calling? He can use you anyway and in a mighty way. Surrender to His will for your life.
Think you're beyond forgiveness. God sees you in the belly of the fish and is eagerly awaiting your prayer to Him. Yes, eager to forgive and eager to use for the spreading of the kingdom. Pray His promises--He is willing and He is able. Pray with a thankful heart that is He the Lord of salvation and deliverance. Don't pray for deliverance, pray for a submissive heart. Don't pray for a change in your circumstances; pray for a change in your character. He's waiting to hear your voice; waiting eagerly and expectantly for He has things for you to do.