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We read in the book of Jonah that G-d gave Jonah an assignment to preach to the people of Nineveh. But Jonah did not believe they deserved salvation and instead, he disobeyed G-d’s call and ran away. (Jonah 1st chapter). He decided to flee and found a ship going to Tarshish.

(verse 4) “But the L-RD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.”

Jonah was asleep and the rest of the crew were afraid and came to Jonah asking him where did he come from, what was his occupation, who are you. Jonah had to confess that he was a Hebrew and knew the L-RD and it was because of him that the ship was about to sink. The crew asked Jonah, what to do, Jonah said just throw me overboard.

I don’t know what Jonah was thinking at this point, but it seems he no longer cared what happened to him. He gave up with no hope in sight.  How many times have we given up to just runaway. Run from situations without seeking the L-RD for guidance or runaway when he beckons you to come to him in prayer or to read your Bible. Jonah had given up to save the crewmen but G-d had other plans. He prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah.

(verse 17) “And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”

How many times have G-d placed an assignment on our hearts to do for Him, but we decided not to follow through. How did that make you feel? What happened because of your disobedience?

After Jonah prayed and cried unto the L-RD, and vowed to pay his vows, the L-RD spoke to the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land. (Jonah 2:9-10). Jonah followed through and completed the assignment and the people believed G-d and repented. (Jonah 3)

Take heed to follow through when G-d places someone on your heart, or give you an assignment (cook, clean or shop for someone, write a letter of encouragement or send a "thinking of you card") or just speak a word of life to that person.

What are you running from?

  • Pain? Read 2 Corinthians 1:4;   Psalm 147:3 and Isaiah 53:5
  • Temptation? Read 1 Corinthians 10:13;  James 4:7 and Ephesians 6:11
  • Loneliness? Read Isaiah 43:2;  Matthew 28:20 and 1 Peter 5:7
  • The Future? Read Jeremiah 29:11, Matthew 6:34, and Isaiah 41:10

You don’t have to run from an assignment or responsibility that G-d gives you. Let me encourage you with these two scriptures:

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the L-RD and not to men.”  (Colossians 3:23)

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

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