But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the LORD. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the LORD by sailing to Tarshish. (Jonah 1:3 NLT)
Are you running in the opposite direction of where God has told you to go? There was a time in my life that I was just like Jonah here. God had a clear direction for my life and I knew it, but I thought if I jumped in wholeheartedly that I'd be losing more than I'd gain. Needless to say I was sorely mistaken. Because of my disobedience (just call it what it is) I experienced many things I didn't have to. So the nagging question is; why do we run from God? I don't believe the answer is the same for everyone but I do believe there are some out there that can relate to why I ran for so long.
If you go on to read more about Jonah you see that various circumstances were introduced into his life as he ran from God's call on his life (see Jonah 1:4, Jonah 1:17). This too is what happened in my life. A course of events that were directly related to choices I made while I was running left me battered, broken, and at the end of my rope. As I read through the first chapter of Jonah today I see a note that I scribbled in the margins of my Bible that reads, "God will allow circumstances in our lives in attempts to get our focus back on Him." This really spoke to me and brought a sense of thankfulness as I reflected on this. I was reminded of the patience that God has shown to me during my time of running away from Him.
Why are you still running from what you know God has called you to? The plan God has for you is way better than anything you can imagine but He gives us volition (free-will) and we have to make the choice to follow Him. Honestly once you make the choice to follow him with all your heart everything that you thought you'd have to give up is nothing in comparison to the blessings that God will release into your life as a direct result of your obedience.
Take Care & God Bless,
-E
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