Jonah 1:1-17, Luke 8:24, Matthew 12:40

Jonah wanted to hide from God, but we can't hide from God's presence, for He is everywhere. Jonah thought that by going in a different direction, God would excuse him from going to Nineveh. But God had other plans, and He was seeking Jonah's repentance for his reluctant attitude.

During Jonah's reconciliation with God, God sent a great storm, but Jonah slept on the ship's hold. Perhaps there, Jonah asked for forgiveness, but the storm continued. Then, the sailors noticed that their gods were not helping in the outcry, and they threw lots. It felt to Jonah the true living God was causing the storm. In the process, the sailors were saved from their storm and recognized the true God.

In order for the storm to stop, the sailors threw Jonah outboard, and a great whale swallowed him. Jonah was there three days and three nights. Jonah perhaps had asked for forgiveness from God on the boat while he was asleep, for God did not allow Jonah to perish once thrown overboard. So, as the word says, "...not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9 This includes Gentiles, and that's why God sent us Jesus; thus, in this instance, God saved Jonah and the sailors.