December 11, 2013
Appealing as running away is, it rarely resolves anything. It's what a young child threatens to do when things don't go his/her way at home. Adults often choose the same course of action by disengaging from responsibilities. And, many choose to run away from their Creator.
"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)
God called a man named Jonah to a particular task, but Jonah made the futile choice of fleeing rather than obeying. The results were a three day and three night retreat in the belly of a great fish at sea (Jonah 1.17); no doubt offering plenty of time for introspection.
Fleeing is a much-too-common human response. Call and responsibility seem too harsh and demanding, so withdrawal often seems the better option. But, fleeing from responsibilities to family, work, and our Creator, never solves anything. Sooner or later, a type of fish's belly becomes the place and time for confronting what we desperately try to avoid.
The God of the universe has a plan and path that ultimately works best. Like Jonah, that path and plan often involves bringing us into position to administer His grace and mercy to others. Whole-hearted participation and cooperation ultimately works best for all involved.
Are you fleeing today from responsibilities your Father has called you to? Perhaps His call seems too difficult. But, as the saying goes, if He brings you TO it, He will bring you THROUGH it. The call always involves the resources.
May He find us today, not running from Him, but fully participating with Him.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
"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)
God called a man named Jonah to a particular task, but Jonah made the futile choice of fleeing rather than obeying. The results were a three day and three night retreat in the belly of a great fish at sea (Jonah 1.17); no doubt offering plenty of time for introspection.
Fleeing is a much-too-common human response. Call and responsibility seem too harsh and demanding, so withdrawal often seems the better option. But, fleeing from responsibilities to family, work, and our Creator, never solves anything. Sooner or later, a type of fish's belly becomes the place and time for confronting what we desperately try to avoid.
The God of the universe has a plan and path that ultimately works best. Like Jonah, that path and plan often involves bringing us into position to administer His grace and mercy to others. Whole-hearted participation and cooperation ultimately works best for all involved.
Are you fleeing today from responsibilities your Father has called you to? Perhaps His call seems too difficult. But, as the saying goes, if He brings you TO it, He will bring you THROUGH it. The call always involves the resources.
May He find us today, not running from Him, but fully participating with Him.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
posted by steve @ 8:37 AM
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