Your Jonah Moments

Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. Jonah 1:17

Have you ever had those type of moments where you feel God is speaking to you to do something and for whatever reason whether scared, selfish, lazy, apathetic you turn away? I know I have. Mine was not as great as Jonah where I was thrown overboard and swallowed by a giant fish but I think of that account found in Jonah Chapter every time I back away when my gut says do it.

Whether it is leading a prayer group, going on a mission trip, befriending a stranger, being on a committee for a retreat, visiting a prison or nursing home,  or a host of other examples you may have in your own life. This is not saying God is calling you to every single task but in my case wanting to run and hide from responsibility He has for us, He can always find us.

God can strengthen and equip you for whatever task He has called you to. It is the enemy who wants you to be fearful  and run the other way and hide.

 PRAYER: Forgive me Lord for any time I have ever not done something you were impressing upon me to do. I know you give me strength for whatever it is. In Jesus' name. Amen

Does It Take A Whale?

The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord. Jonah 1:1-3

Have you ever had the experience that you felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to do something but instead ran from it? The excuse could be someone else will speak out or someone else will take care of this need. Have you ever thought that maybe, just maybe, the person set aside to do this was you? It is impossible to hide from God, as He is all knowing,  after all. Excuses often don't cut it with the Almighty. 

In modern times we may laugh off the notion of a giant fish swallowing a person for not obeying God's orders. I would not laugh if I were you. The task may not be as large as telling an entire city they need to repent or perish, but something much smaller. Nothing God asks you to do is 'small' in the big scheme of things.

What is God speaking to your heart about today? Maybe sharing Christ with a friend or even a stranger? Volunteering at a place where you can be a witness for Him?  Speaking up for injustice at a university or even to our own government. The Lord is your guide and you are to be His witnesses and sometimes that means speaking up in love.

PRAYER: Help me Father to open my mouth with Holy boldness and in love when sharing your truths with others. Protect me from evil along the way. In Jesus' name. Amen.