Heading in the Opposite Direction

But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. So he went down to Joppa, found a ship which was going to Tarshish, paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. Jonah 1:3 (New American Standard Bible)

As much as I crave God’s clear cut, explicit directions in my life, I stand amazed at Jonah’s reaction. He decides to not only disobey and head in the opposite direction but plans to get as far away as he can. He wants as much space between himself and God’s will as is humanly possible. His blatant disobedience is hard to watch without wincing in my spirit. Yet I know God’s intent for having this story in Scripture is meant to showcase something personally to me this morning. If I allow it to remain on the pages of Scripture and not enter my own heart I am going to miss the personal application that is meant to transform my life.

What is the “Nineveh” God is sending me to on a daily basis? When are the times I am “jumping aboard” to head in the opposite direction of His call? It is not usually in the big areas. This morning God is probing my heart with questions that can feel uncomfortable if I forget His reason for asking them. His desire is always that I allow Him to expose the areas that need His transforming touch. While His questions may be direct and pointed they are asked in a tone of gentleness and love.

So how am I doing at responding to His commands to me? Commands such as: love your enemies, forgive one another, obey your husband, be a keeper at home, share your faith, let your words be gracious, be kind to others, put others before yourself, pray for others, study His Word, be attentive to the needs of others (particularly the poor, widows, and orphans), have the right motives, be patient toward people, etc…. For it is when I refuse to extend my hand to another person or close my heart to one in need that I am being a Jonah. I may find a hundred other things to do rather than the simple thing God is directing me to do but it is at that point that I am finding my own ship to head in my own direction.

Jonah had his reasons for where he was headed and I have my reasons. Part of Christian maturity is aligning my actions and beliefs with the desires of my Father’s heart. Today will reveal whether I am boarding a ship or grasping the hand of my Father in obedience.

Father, You have spoken. Help me to obey in all areas. Amen.