In our church fellowship this week, we started a new series in the book of Jonah. It’s a story I know well and yet it never ceases to amaze me how God continually brings new thoughts and challenges from old stories. This story caused me to consider the plans and purposes of God, and why I should never run from them.
The word of the LORD had come to Jonah, calling him to take God’s message to a people that Jonah personally did not like, so much so, that he didn’t want to be anywhere near them. So, when God said, ‘Arise and go to Nineveh’, Jonah arose and got the boat to Spain. God had blessed Jonah with the gift of prophecy and Jonah apparently thought that he could use that gift at a time and place of his own choosing. It’s almost comical that Jonah thought he could run far enough away from God’s will and presence that someone else might be chosen for the task.
When God’s calls us to do something, it is not because there was no-one else available. God has a reason for choosing us. Although, at times, the assignment might feel overwhelming and it may even go against our personal thoughts and feelings on the matter – avoiding God’s will is not the road to take. When we find ourselves stalling, we need to ask, ‘why am I running from this; why does it feel inconvenient for me to do God’s will?’
Jonah went to great lengths to avoid the will of God, but he soon discovered the depths God would go to, to get him back on track.
In all of our waywardness, God pursues us for the fulfilment of His purposes, not because he needs us specifically for that task, but because he wants to reveal something specific to us about who He is.
Following God’s will is always for our benefit, and our obedience is always for His glory.
Narrow Path Ministries 