Effects of Running from God

“Jonah immediately tried to run away from the LORD by going to Tarshish.” - Jonah 1:3 GW

God gives every one of us a unique mission…and He gives us a choice as to whether or not we fulfill that mission.

God gave Jonah a mission: to warn the people of Nineveh that judgment was coming. But “Jonah immediately tried to run away from the LORD by going to Tarshish”. Jonah faced consequences for his decision, the same kind of consequences you may encounter if you run away from God’s mission for your life.

The Bible says that when Jonah boarded a ship to get away from his mission, God sent a powerful wind to push the boat back (Jonah 1:4).

Why did God do that? Because He loved Jonah and wanted him to make a good decision that would give him a life of purpose and fulfillment. God sends opposition our way to encourage us to make better decisions.

Jonah’s disobedience also threatened the lives of everyone on the boat to Tarshish. When you run away from God, innocent people, including those you care about can get hurt. Maybe it’s your spouse, your kids, your grandkids, or your friends. Sometimes it’s people you don’t even know. People can get hurt because of your disobedience.

Jonah shows that when you run from God, your life starts a downward trajectory. Your disobedience will cost you financially, physically, and relationally.

Nineveh was more than 550 miles away, but Jonah tried running to Tarshish, which was 2,500 miles in the opposite direction. The truth is, you can’t run from God for the rest of your life. He’s everywhere and He knows everything. But He gives you choices because He wants you to love Him and follow Him voluntarily.

Since God has your best interest at heart, why run from Him?

Testing In The Little Things

“You were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things .” Matthew 25:21 NKJV

Your small acts of kindness may go unnoticed by others, but God sees them. And they can reward you in ways you never dreamed possible. Take the case of Joseph. Betrayed by his brothers and lied about by his boss's wife. He ends up sentenced to a 13 year prison term. If ever a person had a reason to turn sour on life and God, it was him. But instead of giving into to self-pity, he focused on the needs of others.

Joseph had two prison mates: a Butler and a Baker who had worked in Pharaoh's palace, fallen into disfavor, and landed in a cell next to Joseph. Note what the Bible says: “Joseph came in to them in the morning and looked at them, and saw that they were sad” (Genesis 40:6).

Before God allowed Joseph to care for the nation of Egypt, He observed his care toward his fellow inmates. As a result, when one of them was restored to favor, he recommended Joseph to Pharoah as a man qualified to meet his need. Compassion is important to God when you see a need try to meet it.

If you dream of doing big things, start by doing small things with a good attitude. Arrive on time. Complete your work early. Don't grumble when you're given a task, take it on and God will reward you for it. “His lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matthew 25:21)

Prayer: The Challenge

“And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly. – Luke 22:44

There are enriching moments in prayer when you experience glorious intimacy with God and are filled with inexpressible joy. But true prayer often has a seriousness that touches on the deeper issues of life.

Many Believers never progress beyond prayers that simply lay their requests before God. And when they do not get the answer they want, they are disappointed.

When you pray that God will help you to grow spiritually, or show you the right way to live, or use you in His service, you will experience the full impact of the challenge of prayer.

Such prayers are essentially between you and God but will soon discover that they touch other people as well. When you become aware of God’s Presence, you bring before Him those who are in need: a child who has gone astray; a hungry, lonely person; or someone who is suffering and heartbroken.

As God lays these people on your heart, you begin to understand the responsibility of prayer. Sharing in this privilege strengthens you to live in love toward God and your fellow men.