You Can Run…
…you can hide, but not for long.
I know the quote goes a little different, but I like the spin my pastor used during a sermon talking about Jonah’s running from the Lord.
“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 on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord.” ~ Jonah 1:1-3 (ESV)
Jonah was afraid. Instead of going to Nineveh, Jonah chose to go the other direction. He got away with it, but only for a little while…You know the rest of Jonah’s story. Rebellion, repentance, relent…
To be honest with you, I feel like Jonah sometimes. I want to flee from the ministry God has put on my heart. I say “Lord, do I really have to?” “I am tired, I’d rather rest”. Often I wonder if my ministry is fruitful. Do people really listen to what I have to say? Do they believe me when I tell them where my strength comes from?
But when I read the account of Jonah, the story of Nineveh, I have hope that I too can make a difference in the lives of others. God just had to remind me that I am just the messenger; that He will do the rest. He is the one who changes people, not me. Yes, I can run, I can hide, but I can’t do it for long…
Lord of Heaven and Earth. Thank You for the reminder that You are the one who changes hearts; I am only a messenger. Lord, please use me and my life as You see it fit for Your kingdom. I might not see the fruits now, but I pray that when it is time You will show me how You have used me. I am trusting in Your strength to go on. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
Amen. Praise God he never lets us go, even when we try to go the opposite direction. So many times we just want to stop, and sometimes there are seasons of refreshment, but we need to stay available for when he might need us.
Praising GOD for all HE has done in and through my life.
Blessings, andrea
Wonderful devotion my friend, love you.
Great Word! God is looking for obedient servants, we are not promised it will be easy … but we must be obedient. ((hugs))
Lovely devotion Iris. Thanks for sharing.
How many times have I thought “do i have to?” Jonah is such a good example to us. Thanks for sharing, Iris.