This is not a blog about running…so have no fear! 🙂 I don’t run…at all. Not only do I find it a sport I have no interest in, my body also says, “Don’t even think about it!” And I ALWAYS listen to my body. (cough cough!)
This a post…and a sermon…about running from God. For those of you who know the Bible, I can already tell you know who this sermon will be dealing with. For those few who might be in the dark…try swallowed by a big fish as a clue.
Jonah…the classic illustration of someone who ran from God. “I want you to go to Ninevah and preach to them.” “Nope don’t think so.” And off he goes for parts unknown. But God intervenes and to make a long story short, He does exactly what Jonah suspected He would.
I suspect we have all run from time to time. Thinking I know a better way or a better solution, I have gone and chosen my own path. Trouble: running is not the answer. Especially running from God. But fortunately, God gives second chances…even after running.
I’m not interested in debating the truth or falsehood of this story. That is another time and another place. (Although I do believe it is a true story). I would appreciate your prayers for this Sunday.
I know Jonah’s feelings… and not actually running away, but making yourself do something, then seeing the results, and then fighting the urge to complain “God, you would’ve done that anyway, why did I have to get involved?”
As of now, I am battling with that kind of thing… and I don’t want to get involved. Instead, I’d love to hide for a while inside a cave of sorts to just come to senses.
Yeah, I sometimes wonder also why God needs me to do what He is going to do. I’m not into hiding in caves (I’m an extrovert) but I can see a withdrawal is needed from time to time.
Love the wisdom in that story and the humility found as proven by the author’s recollection of his journey.
Praying for you, Bill.
Thanks Floyd. Wisdom and humility is a definite lesson.
We all tend to run from God, especially when work needs to be done. But thank the Lord that His yoke is light!
that is generally when we tend to run.
And thank goodness God does give us second chances, just as He did Jonah.
Blessings for a great sermon, Bill!
I’m all for that Martha.
I was thinking about another post that spoke to me about focusing on the job God gives me.
Jonah got a job from God and he tried running from it.
We all try running at some time in our lives and just like Jonah it doesn’t work.
Great post, thanks for sharing your wisdom. I appreciate you.
God bless.
Thanks for taking the time to comment TC. I know you are a busy momma & wife. You are right. Running doesn’t work.
So many good lessons in that story. I guess when you’re running from God, you still acknowledge Him. Now a days it seems rather than running most seem to be just plain apathetic. Good luck on the message.
Apathetic is a good way to sum things up these days Mike.
You say God gives second chances. Does he give 3, 4, 5, …..1000 chances?
If so are you just never held accountable?
I do believe he gives multiple chances. I’m evidence of that. However, there seems to be a point we should reach where taking things for granted should be a wake up call. We also do need someone to call us on the carpet if it is a recurring sin. Actually, you raise a good point Jeff.
Hi Bill!
It sounds like your Christmas break was nice, although full. Nice times with your grandson’s surprise visit too. 🙂 How is your cough?
Running from obeying God is the aspect I see in myself some days/some moments. Not necessarily from him, but from what I hear him saying to me. Yikes. It never ends well. I am thankful for his patience and tender pursuit of me, and the way he hauntingly shows up all along the way to convince me to turn around and obey.
May Sunday go well. 🙂
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
The cough is fine. About over except upon occasion. Running from what we hear Him say is typical of many of us Jennifer. I know I try to avoid it. Sunday seemed to go well.
Praying for Sunday
Thanks Larry.
Hi Bill! How did your sermon go? What a wonderful topic, and such a rich story in Jonah.
I was always interested in Jonah’s shipmates. There is a huge storm, and they ask “Who has made God so mad?” The faith involved in that question, and going right to Him as the source always impressed me.
Another topic for another day!
Sunday blessings,
Ceil
I am a terrible judge Ceil of how my sermons go. 🙂 Jo is my best critic and she said nothing so… I agree: another topic for another day.