Fleeing The Presence of God
“‘Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.’ 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 down to it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord.” - Jonah 1:2-3
I want to tell you something, my friend. If God calls you to do something, you would best be served to do it. It does not matter if you are qualified (He will qualify you). It does not matter if you think you aren’t ready (you are). It does not matter if you think you will fail (you won’t). God’s plan will never take you where His presence cannot sustain you.
Jonah had to learn this the hard way. God called Jonah to go preach in the city of Nineveh. Instead, not wanting to go, Jonah runs from God and takes a boat to Tarshish. Now, if you aren’t familiar with the geography of these two locations, Nineveh was EAST. Well, Tarshish was directly the opposite way: WEST.
Joppa, where Jonah ported out of was 550 miles from Nineveh, and then Tarshish was another 2,500 miles from Joppa. I think it is safe to say, Jonah wanted no part of going to preach in Nineveh. He ran the exact opposite way of where He was supposed to go.
Only now, he was in trouble because he disobeyed God. Instead of being blessed for going to Nineveh obediently, Jonah was caught in a storm, thrown overboard, and swallowed by a whale. Not the best set of circumstances if you ask me. This all happened because Jonah chose to flee the presence of God.
We have talked at length over the last few days about being obedient when God calls you to do something. Not only will God supply all your needs, but He will protect you every step of the way. Everything you will need to accomplish all that He has asked, He will provide you with. But that only applies if you are obedient to Him. Jonah was not obedient and paid the price.
What are your Nineveh and Tarshish? Are you running from God? Do so at your own risk. Fleeing the presence of God is never the answer. Run back to Him today!
I want to tell you something, my friend. If God calls you to do something, you would best be served to do it. It does not matter if you are qualified (He will qualify you). It does not matter if you think you aren’t ready (you are). It does not matter if you think you will fail (you won’t). God’s plan will never take you where His presence cannot sustain you.
Jonah had to learn this the hard way. God called Jonah to go preach in the city of Nineveh. Instead, not wanting to go, Jonah runs from God and takes a boat to Tarshish. Now, if you aren’t familiar with the geography of these two locations, Nineveh was EAST. Well, Tarshish was directly the opposite way: WEST.
Joppa, where Jonah ported out of was 550 miles from Nineveh, and then Tarshish was another 2,500 miles from Joppa. I think it is safe to say, Jonah wanted no part of going to preach in Nineveh. He ran the exact opposite way of where He was supposed to go.
Only now, he was in trouble because he disobeyed God. Instead of being blessed for going to Nineveh obediently, Jonah was caught in a storm, thrown overboard, and swallowed by a whale. Not the best set of circumstances if you ask me. This all happened because Jonah chose to flee the presence of God.
We have talked at length over the last few days about being obedient when God calls you to do something. Not only will God supply all your needs, but He will protect you every step of the way. Everything you will need to accomplish all that He has asked, He will provide you with. But that only applies if you are obedient to Him. Jonah was not obedient and paid the price.
What are your Nineveh and Tarshish? Are you running from God? Do so at your own risk. Fleeing the presence of God is never the answer. Run back to Him today!
Free Email Devotional - Sign Up Now
Recent
Archive
2024
January
One Step at a TimeTrusting in the UnseenThe Consequences of SinThe Path of True RepentanceWhen Are You Going to Change?Short-Term Satisfaction vs. Long-Term RewardsWhat Has God Called You to Do?The Danger of Ignoring God's CallingThe Abundance Beyond ObedienceResting in His RhythmLetting God Work While We RestFaith Under ConstructionThe Purpose in WaitingAgainst the GrainNot of This WorldGuidance in ConflictEmbracing Grace in RejectionEternal InvestmentsImpatient Choices, Lasting ConsequencesGod's Timing in RelationshipsDivine Delays in CareersIn Pursuit of God's TimingIn His ImageAnchored in God's VerdictImmersed in His LoveA Heart Full of ThanksPerspective ShiftStrength in UnityWho Needs Your Prayers?Expressing SelflessnessGoing All In on God's Calling
February
Exceedingly, Abundantly BeyondUnraveling the Strength Within WeaknessBeyond Human StrengthUnfailing FaithfulnessIgnoring The SignalsChoosing His Will with Free WillBlessings in Obedience to God's WillWhen God's Plans Are Different Than YoursTrusting the Unseen PathDivine ConnectionsPurposeful Impact in Others' LivesAnswering the Call to Show UpFinding All You Need in GodValor in the Face of FearObedience Over ComfortAnswering God's CallTrusting God One Step at a TimeTrusting the Omniscient GuideThe Path of Blessings through ObedienceThe Consequence of DisobedienceEmbracing the Hope of ChangeEmbracing the Call to SelflessnessTuning In to God's WhispersRising Above FearGod's Unshakeable Faith in YouAwakening to God's Plan for Your LifeThe Journey of FaithSurrendering Struggles
March
The Unseen GuardianBalancing CommunityStarting at HomeFrom Brokenness to MasterpieceEmbracing Your DesignDiscovering Strength in HelplessnessTransformative Power of PrayerThe Art of PrayerThe Gift of RepentanceBoundless ForgivenessA Two-Way StreetEmbracing Purpose in PainGod's Call to Impact LivesOrdinary to ExtraordinaryQualifying the CalledFinding Peace in ObedienceTrusting God's Plan Beyond Our DreamsPraising God in the PainFrom Platform to PastureEmbracing God's Training GroundFollowing the Model of JesusThe Beauty of Serving OthersFrom Knowledge to ObedienceGratitude for God's FaithfulnessRemoving the TapeGod Sees YouDisplaying Your FaithChoosing Obedience Over TemptationObedience Despite DifferencesThe Destructive Grip of LustChoosing God's Best Over Temporary PleasuresChoosing Wisely in Relationships
2 Comments
This devotionals have been a blessing to me lately ! Thank you pastor ED
My parents attend CBC. I join them during our yearly visits. Pastor Ed I am grateful for the words the lord gifts you daily to spread his message! I look forward to these devotionals each morning & it has helped me in my journey and growth with God. God bless you sir & thank you for everything!