It Really is Not About Me!
Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.” But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. (Jonah 1:1-3 ESV ~ emphasis added)
I often feel like Jonah; trying to flee the mission God has given me. Why can I not share the Gospel in my home country where there is no language barrier? The Lord knows that it is much needed there as much as it is here. Then again, it really is not about me and where I want to be (feel comfortable), but where God wants to use me.
There is a big difference between Jonah and me though. Jonah wanted to flee the presence of the Lord because He felt that the people of Nineveh did not deserve God’s grace. I personally believe that no one is beyond the grace of God.
My biggest issue is that I feel that I don’t make a big impact on the people around me. I am not comfortable sharing my faith in words; I rather share in my actions. But does anyone notice that I am different than those who do not yet believe? Am I patient, loving, forgiving as my Lord has been with me?
You see, I like to treat all people the same way Jesus treated the people He encountered. I work in a very diverse environment; some are of different faith, others are completely alienated from God. Most of my co-workers feel that followers of Christ are too judgmental, or even worse, hypocrites.
So, how can I share my faith with others? Be honest, be genuine; sharing what Christ has done for me personally! I don’t have life figured out; I still stumble and I am not sinless. There was only one Who was sinless. And His blood has covert my past sins and will so until I get to heaven. That I need to let people know and not how ‘good’ I am.
“Lord of Heaven and Earth; thank you for Your love and continued guidance. I want to flee often just like Jonah; I am out of my comfort zone. I know that You have me in the place You want me to serve. I may never see the impact until I get to heaven, but I trust that You will use my life for Your glory. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen”
Photo & Content Copyright © Iris Nelson
I join you my friend in this prayer.
Amen!
Great post Iris. I too often have these thoughts and wonder if I’m being an effective witness in actions and words.
I love your last paragraph because that’s exactly what I try to do when I share my faith, let others know that I’m not perfect, I make mistakes but when I repent because of Christ’s blood He forgives.
Thanks for sharing your heart.
So timely! I am thinking about this quite a lot as I prepare to go to Costa Rica for an internship this fall. God has certainly been preparing me, though. It’s less than easy, but it will be worth it.