Jonah was forced to face the consequences of his disobedience through a tempest that God placed directly in his path.   The storm that Jonah faced (as well as the crew of the ship that he was on) was the direct result of Jonah’s sinful desire to see the city of Nineveh destroyed.  Through the storm, God sought to call Jonah back to Himself.

Its always best to follow God in love and obedience, but when we knowingly place barriers between ourselves and our Father, we have to remember that God will, if necessary, send storms and sufferings our way to encourage us to come back to Him.  You don’t have to be overwhelmed by the storm; embrace it and keep your eyes fixed on the one who, through love, is trying to bring you back into fellowship with Himself.