Jonah 1:3 - But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish.
Jonah went to some great lengths to escape his calling from God. He didn't agree with God's plan for him, so he didn't just run away from it, he went to some expense to get away by buying a ticket on a ship that was going to another country.
How often have we run away from our calling from God? I'm sure a lot of us, at one point or another, have tried to resist and go the opposite way from where God was leading us. I know I sure have - too many times to count. God won't send us anywhere He doesn't want us to be. And everything He has planned for us will be great. He tells us in Jeremiah that His plans for us are for good and not disaster (Jer. 29:11), and they will be great and mighty (Jer. 33:3). How could we not agree with that?!
Well pride is a big factor there. Often times, we are convinced that we know what's best for ourselves more than anyone else. When it comes to advice from men, that may be right. Although God can and will use people to communicate His plans to us. When we are getting advice from others, we should pray about it and seek God's will in His Word. When we are honest in seeking His purpose for us, He is happy to show us (Luke 11:10).
Am I honestly seeking and obeying God's will for me, or am I turning away in pride because I believe I know what's best for me? I know that when I used to believe that I was in control of my life, I let pride rule. But God has shown me too much in the last 5 years. I know He is in control, and I know His plans for me are great and mighty.
Dear Lord, thank You for never giving up on me despite my best attempts at running the other way. I trust in You and Your plan, and I am happy to go wherever You lead me, now and forever. I pray that those who are struggling to see Your plan for them will seek You in prayer and in Your Word and that You will reveal Yourself to them so that they can see the great and mighty things You have planned for them. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
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