On The Run!

RUNNING FROM GOD! Who would ever think it a possibility? In the Scriptures God is revealed as being omniscient (all knowing), omnipotent (all powerful) and omnipresent (everywhere). [consider Psalm 139:1-16] Who in their right mind would even consider being able to RUN FROM GOD? Yet that is what Jonah attempted after being called by God to go to Nineveh.

We read:
"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 1:3 ESV)

Does this make us wonder about Jonah? Do we consider his actions to be very foolish? But what about ourselves? Oh, we know we cannot RUN FROM GOD, but what do our actions reveal?

Jonah's actions said to God, "I'm not gonna do it!" And that is what our RUNNING from responsibility says. When we come face to face with the commands of God and the ways in which He wants us to serve and minister in this life, what do our actions say?

Do our actions say....
--"I'm with you Lord!"?
--"Nope! Not going that way, Lord!"?
--"I'm your servant, God!"?
"Forget it, God! Not me!"?
--"Yes, Lord. Whatever you say!"?
--"Not now God. I'll catch you later!"?
--"Here I am God, ready to do your bidding!"?
--"Sorry God. I'm busy, but I'll try to work you in this Sunday morning!"?

People run after all kinds of things and in the process are RUNNING FROM GOD and His Will. Are we chasing our dreams and in effect RUNNING FROM GOD'S calling? When we walk away from God's Will to do our own thing we are RUNNING FROM GOD.

May we humbly accept God's call. May we faithfully do His bidding. And may we find comfort in knowing God is mindful of every aspect of our lives. He is ready to guide and strengthen us for the tasks He lays before us. May we continue to walk with Him.

Have a great day WITH GOD!
Carl

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(original date sent: 07/10/2000, with passage changed to ESV 08/09/2005)

See other teEn-MAIL on Jonah