Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted

by Priscilla Shirer

In this 7-session Bible study, redefine interruption and see that interruption is actually God's invitation to do something beyond our wildest dreams. When Jonah was willing to allow God to interrupt his life, the result was revival in an entire city.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Faith, Christian Living, Christian Non Fiction, Christianity

157 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2010

About the author

Priscilla Shirer is a wife and a mom first. But put a Bible in her hand and a message in her heart and you’ll see why thousands flock to her conferences and dive into her Bible study series’ and books each year.

A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, Priscilla holds a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies and considers it a privilege to serve believers from every denomination and culture by helping them to know the truths of Scripture intellectually and encouraging them to experience these truths practically by the power of the Holy Spirit.

In addition to Priscilla’s participation in many church and para-church conferences across the globe each year, Going Beyond Ministries hosts AWAKEN – an outreach event in their hometown designed to encourage and mobilize women locally. This free gathering brings together thousands of women from different denominations and backgrounds several times a year in an effort to stir revival.

Going Beyond Ministries also equips believers through books and Bible study resources. Priscilla has authored over a dozen video driven studies for women and teens on a myriad of Biblical characters and topics including Jonah, Gideon, the Exodus, discerning God’s voice, The Armor of God.

Her books include Discerning the Voice of God, God is Able, and two New York Times Bestsellers – The Resolution for Women and Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan for Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer, which was named the 2016 Christian Book of the Year. Her latest offering is a 365-day devotional called Awaken: 90 Days with the God Who Speaks. In 2016, Priscilla ventured into the world of children’s publishing with The Prince Warriors, a fiction 4-book series and accompanying 365-day devotional (Unseen) designed to equip tween boys and girls for victory in spiritual warfare.

Priscilla has been married to Jerry for 20 years. Between studying and writing, she spends most of her time cleaning up after (and trying to satisfy the appetites of) their three growing boys – Jackson, Jerry Jr. and Jude.

Reviews

[Stephanie Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ladies small group at my church began this study in November and we just finished discussing it today (after 7 months). I know it seems like a really long time to take on a book that was only meant to be a 6-7 week study, but it was SO FULL of truth and wisdom that we felt it would be a waste to speed through it without allowing ourselves to digest all the was uncovered in Jonah. We would watch the video sessions and then take our time reading through each day's lesson together, discussing each question and poring over the scripture references.

This study coincided with a time in my life that I would consider the most challenging and filled with interruptions that I've ever experienced. My whole mindset was derailed and my faith in God was tested like never before. I got so much out of this study and I think in the future, I'll look back through the notes I took and see how much God taught me in this season. I would recommend this study, the video sessions, and the accompanying book for everyone, especially those that may be discouraged by a life interruption.

[jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the selected book for a Bible study that I was a part of. We had a group of about 10-12 women most nights we met, and overall I'd say that we liked the study. There were times when we felt that the questions were too specific or leading, and we had a hard time coming up with answers. This gave us some trouble with getting discussions started in the beginning, which was unfortunate because we were a group of strangers, and we didn't really start talking a lot until the last couple of weeks. But once we got going and adapted to the study by not always discussing directly from the questions provided, it was good. I have mixed feelings about studies that use teachings on DVDs, but I really liked Priscilla and her lessons (I think I got emotional during every single one, it was ridiculous).

As far as me personally, the study was timely but not fitting to a T, which was fine. My story is similar to and different from Jonah's, and it was cool to study the book while I'm going through a time of planning for a transition in my life with a new job, new city, and possibly a new church on the horizon. But whereas Jonah's story seemed to unfold rather quickly, mine is unfolding over the course of months and isn't over yet. The lessons I need to learn are different than Jonah's lessons, but he served and I am serving the same, unchanging God, so more reminders of who God is are always good.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you reluctant to do what God has called you to do? Are you angry when God shows favor to your enemies? This is a great study for those who can relate to Jonah's feelings.

[Gale Penton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great study on Jonah

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This study was so awesome to me. I did it at church with the video as well. I had heard the story of Jonah as a child and always thought it was just a story to teach us a lesson. Which it is, of course. But I learned through this study that it really did happen, God really is capable of doing what He did to Jonah and there was a purpose in it far greater than I would have ever realized. I always looked at the story of Jonah as a fable. Until I became a Christian 3 years ago, I thought many parts of the Bible were made up just to teach us something. It wasn't until this study that I truly realized how wrong I was. It makes perfect sense to me, now - and thanks to Priscilla's interpretations, that God did what He did to open up other's eyes. They would not have believed a man coming to them who just said "Hey, God sent me and he wants you all to repent...." But having washed upon shore, after living in the belly of a fish for 3 days, stinking to high heaven, it was pretty obvious that only God brought that man to them. The washed up, spewed-out Jonah was more convincing to the sinners that needed to hear His message. It's really funny how something so crazy and almost myth-like can be really pretty simple. I really loved this study and found it amazing that so much was learned from such a small piece of the Bible. I will do my best to never underestimate Him again and I thank Him for forgiving my doubtfulness over His book.

[Jessica Welch · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really great to finally get to know the real story of Jonah from a historical standpoint. As a kid when you hear the children's version it's very unbelievable so it was great to get the real deal. Also Priscilla did a fantastic job on getting me to see how I can relate to Jonah..his anger, fear in trusting God, his reasons for turning his back on God, etc. This was one of the first studies I have ever done that compelled me to examine my life and make changes because it was so well written and had clarity. It didn't have me running too far all over the place in the Bible but sometimes the author did have me looking up other pertaining scripture when necessary. You can tell Priscilla was personally changed by the book of Jonah and her passion shows. My only negative point is that some of the questions were leading and being the strong willed person I am, I didn't necessarily want to answer things from her perspective but instead think about the actual change that was happening in me through the study, so I did skip quite a few of those questions and just absorbed the deeper things that God was telling me.

[Delinda Mauney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Priscilla Shirer. I have done many of her studies and have read several of her books. This book is no different in her presentation. We are like Jonah. We want to be one who is a follower of Christ but we don't want our lives interrupted by things we are called by God to do. We may have something we think is better on Sunday mornings than going to church, so we go. We don't want to interrupt our lives of fun and freedom.

Little do we realize that when we are in Church, Bible Study, prayer, etc we are more free than ever. We should crave that feeling. Our relationship with God is not an interruption in our lives but a place of peace, comfort, freedom and yes fun. Life is what you make of it and I have decided I do not want to be a Jonah and miss all the good times of being in God's presence because I would not listen to what He wants of me.

Good read.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Priscilla Shirer is a good speaker and author, and I liked her emphasis on the different aspects of Jonah's story. There were several things that I had not noticed before in the story. She also equates Jonah's story to the Christian's going into their own Ninevah to share their faith. "It is a privilege to hear God's Word and to serve God." "He empowers us to serve." I also liked the way that Priscilla dealt with Jonah's attitude problem when his ministry didn't turn out as he'd hoped. She spent a lot of time talking about outward obedience but inward resentment or rebellion.

We are supposed to come up with a group ministry to do, a group Ninevah, but our group each chose separate Ninevahs we were already involved with.

[Jake Fraser · Rating 3 out of 5]

I LOVED listening to the videos. Shirer is like a magnet and you just can't stop watching her! Really loved it! But the workbook I really couldn't get into. Not only did the book make me feel like I had to have an issue in order to do it (or something was wrong with me) - but I just couldn't get into it in general. The only thing I got out of this study was watching the video. I have heard that she gets other people to write her workbooks (which is disappointing)...so I'd be curious to do another one of her study's and find out which ones she writes.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did the video sessions last year during a Wednesday night study group at church. Due to my work schedule, I missed a lot of the sessions, but they had notes made for each missed session. I was also too busy to do the individual studies at the time, but I had this workbook saved for when I actually did have time. I got more out of it while doing the self-study during downtime/break-time at work. I've seen Beth Moore videos here & there in the past, but I like how Priscilla Shirer's videos & studies are more conversational (rather than lectured) & relateable.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loving it so far! One week left and then I'll post my rating. E'yen...you won't believe how much it parallels your book Chosen One, which I also just finished. From the story of King Jehosephat to the points being made about how one person CAN make a huge difference....you'd really like this study! And it's only 6 weeks long--not a huge time commitment but packed with lessons.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

From day one I really liked this study. Priscilla is funny, engaging, and makes you really consider your role. I liked how she reframed life's interruptions. If you find yourself in a different place in life than you planned this book and video series is for you.

['Chal · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am glad to be finished with this study for two reasons: 1. Apparently I'm not in a season of being interrupted; and 2) it's slow, slow, slow moving.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those of you that have been handed a "Ninevah" assignment that you do not really want to do, then read this book asap. You may find that you are Jonah after all.

[Susanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was ok, redundant at times.

[Reggie Rossignol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Priscilla. This was a great study!

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Jonah" is a 7-session group Bible study inspired by the events in the book of Jonah. It's a group study where the women meet together once a week for 60-90 minutes. During this group study, you watch a video that is 32-48 minutes long and discuss things from the workbook. The workbook had sentences that you fill in as you watch the video, then it had 5 days worth of work to do at home during the week. Each day has 4-5 pages worth of reading in the workbook. The main theme was about divine interruptions (or interventions).

Basically, if Jonah was given a second chance, we then looked at places in the Bible where people were given a second chance and then were encouraged to discuss times in our lives when God gave you a second chance. We were also encouraged to find a "Nineveh" to reach out to as a group. Our church tends to attract people who are involved in various outreaches. Our problem wasn't that we didn't want to do this but that we're already so busy.

Our group of women knew each other but were not close, and our leader was new to leading Bible studies. I would have liked to discuss some things brought up during the week that were never brought up for group discussion in the Leader's Guide. By the end, we were skipping most of the suggested questions and spent more time discussing the parts that we had questions about.

Also, it seemed like each week we were supposed to open up about ourselves. For example, we're suppose to talk about a time God gave us a second chance. We all agreed God had done so, but either due to "which one to talk about?" or "I'm not telling about that!", only the leader actually answered in front of the group. I think many group Bible studies try to get people to open up more than their level of acquaintance makes comfortable.

While I enjoyed getting to know the women who attended, I didn't feel like I really learned anything about Jonah that I couldn't learn from study Bible. The focus seemed more on looking at how something in the story might (somehow) be related to our lives and how to apply that. So it's more of a "Christian Living" study than a true "book of the Bible" study.

[Whitney Cromley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Bible study I’ve ever done

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great Bible study about how God using interuptions as divine interventions in your life!

Have you ever felt like God interrupted your life? This book shows you how really these interruptions are invitations from God to do something amazing. Something God thinks that you are the best person to handle. (reflect on that a minute)

I have never studied the book of Jonah and I loved it!

Priscilla has a way that draws you in and you can't wait for what she is going to share the next day, I highly recommend the DVD series that goes with this but it can definately be used alone.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Came at just the right time. Priscilla took 4 little chapters in the bible and created a 6 week bible course that helps you: a)get through an interruption, b) prepares you for an interruption, c) helps you to help others with interruptions, or d) helps you use your interruption to help others.
Great study.

[Rlyons316 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great study. Have never taken such an in depth look into the book of job. God really taught me a lot through this study. Well done. I'm not really a DVD study person though. I feel u can just do the book and still get a LOT from this study. Personal opinion: Better if u have a group if ppl to discuss it with.

[christianchicklit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Bible Study which challenges you to see life's interruptions in a positive light. Life doesn’t always turn out like you plan but God knows exactly where you are and has a plan for your path. Priscilla Shirer does a great job making the old testament stories completely relevant and applicable to our lives today. I highly recommend this study!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great study! I highly recommend for women's groups and doing the videos. Priscilla is so down to earth and speaks the truth boldly. God revealed much of himself through the book of Jonah and turned my world upside down in a new wonderful order. My favorite women's study so far.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this Bible study it really helps you look inward. Someone said I can't believe she didn't tell us to read the whole book of Jonah..I don't think she should have to say that you know you should. :)

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Priscilla Shirer, but this study seemed to be a bit on the lighter side for me. While I did find it useful, it didn't really speak to me at this time in my life. However, I feel like I will be much better prepared for when (not if!) my life gets interrupted.

[Avaught · Rating 3 out of 5]

The videos by Priscilla Shirer are great.....the workbook left a little to be desired....but I loved Jonah, his humanity, and his honesty in such real terms...my advice is to download her videos ......

[Lakeshia Poole · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all know the "big whale" story and the fantastical side of Jonah. It's a small section of the Bible with a big story and big lesson for us all. This study broke it down in a way that I can apply to my every day choices.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing study for me. I love this so much. It’s a great reminder that many are the plans of man, but the plans of the Lord prevail. This study builds your faith and reminds you, God’s plans are better!

[Jennifer Honeycutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Priscilla Shirer's style. This was a great look at the book of Jonah. I did it with a group of women and we had some really good discussions.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely an excellent read on Jonah - thought provoking- takes the reader well beyond a childhood Sunday School class.