So, You Think You Can Run Away!

 How many times have we been called by God or called on by God to do something, only to think that we can run away from Him? Saying "nope, can't do that."

That didn't work out so well for Jonah when God asked him to go and preach against the city of Nineveh, for the wickedness that they were doing against God! Jonah said "nope, not today" and ran off in a different direction. God used many tactics to get Jonah to turn around. He caused a great storm to come against the boat that he was sailing on. He was tossed over board and swallowed by a great fish. He finally realized that he could not out run or hide from God! He eventually went to Nineveh like God directed him in the first place.

Jonah 1:2-3 Living Bible

2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh, and give them this announcement from the Lord: ‘I am going to destroy you, for your wickedness rises before me; it smells to highest heaven.’”

3 But Jonah was afraid to go and ran away from the Lord. He went down to the seacoast, to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket, went on board, and climbed down into the dark hold of the ship to hide there from the Lord.

How many times have we been asked to pray for people in public. Most people I know that would be far outside their comfort zone. They would run away from the task. Or to speak at an event or even in church. They run away from that as well. Thinking that they're not ready or educated enough to do what God is asking of them. God wants to get us out of our "comfort" zone. 

Just like God used a number of events to bring Jonah back in line, He will do the same to us. No matter how much we kick or scream, saying "no, no, no."  God still wants to use us. All of our answers should be "yes & amen." The old saying goes "He doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called!"

Psalm 139:7-10 New Living Translation

7 I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!8 If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. 9 If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, 10 even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.

So I encourage you today. To not run away from what God is calling you too. It doesn't work out for you. I encourage you to embrace what He is calling you too. He will strengthen you, lift you up and give you the ability to do it, even when your flesh says "NO."

God bless!