We find Jonah’s story in the Old Testament book of the same name. God asks Jonah to go to Nineveh and warn them about an impending disaster if they don’t repent. Jonah experiences a moral dilemma, torn between his desire to obey God and his aversion towards the people of Nineveh. Instead of saying no to God, he runs away from the task and ends up in the belly of an enormous fish for three days. Jonah undergoes a transformation from a stubborn and resentful individual to someone who learns the value of compassion and forgiveness.
Saying No Like Jonah
In our lives, we might refuse to do something or make excuses to avoid doing things we don’t want to do. And in our demanding society, people stay so busy that they disregard the way Christ intended us to live or flat out say no to God. But before we say no or ignore God’s plans, we need to ponder how refusing to follow God’s path might hinder our spiritual development. We don’t want to end up like Jonah.
My Jonah Story
Similar to Jonah, my experience of saying no to God had a negative outcome. During a mission trip in Kenya, we took a small prop plane to the area we were working in. The flight bounced, bumped and dropped the entire flight. With my heart thumping in my chest, I kept a white knuckled grip on my husband’s arm the entire time. A battle waged within me, torn between my desire for safety and my nagging sense of guilt for doubting God’s protection.
None the less, I suggested taking the train back to Nairobi. I felt God impress on me to trust Him, but I ignored His direction. My Jonah moment happened as the train derailed halfway back to the city at a slow rate of speed, so no injuries. Because of my disobedience, we almost missed our flight back to the USA. The weight of my disobedience bore down on my chest, squeezing the air out of my lungs as I grappled with the consequences of my actions.
Obeying Like Jonah
Jonah’s life teaches us that God’s desires may differ from our own. Obeying God and following Him is easier than going our own way. Another lesson from Jonah’s story is that God is a God of second chances. God still had a plan for him, despite his doubt and fears. The same is true for you. No matter how far you’ve strayed or how off course you’ve gone, God still has a plan for you and wants to use you for His glory.
Getting Started
God created each of us for a purpose in this world. His plans for us are better than anything we could imagine. When we feel the nudge of God, we need to learn to say yes to Him and His ways will lead us to places of wonder and astonishment.
Not sure where to start? He lays out some commands for us:
- Start by acknowledging God’s presence.
- Confess our sins and return to God.
- Submit to God’s will for our life through prayer and study.
- Trust His plans.
Do not say no to God. Follow Him wherever He leads you. Trust His ways will lead us to the greatest rewards.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray for a humble heart to always follow your instructions. Help me obey you and be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Lead me and bless me in your timing. In Jesus Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.
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Grace and Peace to you,
Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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I’ve had those Jonah moments, too, Yvonne. Thank you for sharing your story. It’s a real reminder that we may have a Jonah moment at any stage of our walk with God. They sneak up on us to chip away at our trust in our Father.
Yes they do Katherine. It’s so easy to try to ignore God. Thanks and God bless
I pray to have a humble heart, too. Thank you for this message. Have a blessed day! 🙂
Thank you Melissa and God bless.
The lessons from God’s Word are timeless. Jonah’s story is an excellent example. I can think of my own examples of taking my own path. It never ends well. Thank God, He kept you safe on your mission trip. God bless you!
Thank you Melissa. His words and examples are so timeless. Blessings to you too.
Great story, and thank you for the reminder. Taking my own path really doesn’t end well! I’ve learned the hard way to trust God and go with HIS plan, despite my misgivings. On my own, it always ends up way worse.
Thanks Jessica. Going our own way does not ever end well for us. And I keep learning that lesson the hard way. Blessings on your day.
Yvonne, thanks so much for this reminder of how Jonah’s life teaches us that God’s desires may differ from our own. It’s probably safe to say, each of us have our Jonah moments.
So very true Sandy. Thanks and God bless