Page 135 - Grace150 Devotional

Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to
Nineveh, the great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.”
But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to
Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into
it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. Jonah 1:1–3

God often presents us with difficult choices or situations. When Jonah was told
to go to Nineveh he displayed a series of choices that many of us mirror in our
own lives. Immediately after being faced with a command from God, Jonah fled.
Take a moment to reflect on your own heart. Sometimes we can get so wrapped
up in our lives and plans that we forget to take time for God. Spend time listening.
Is there anything God is trying to tell (or has already told) you?
Read Jonah 1:4–16. Jonah was desperately trying to escape. He probably wanted
nothing more than for God to just give up. Thankfully, God is incredibly
(sometimes irritatingly to us) persistent. When faced with the oncoming storm,
Jonah had no choice but to confront God.
After we acknowledge what God wants, we have to make a choice. As Jonah
discovered, God doesn’t let up. We can give God control, or we can clench our
fists and hold on to sin while God pries our fingers open. What will it be? Face the
instruction from the Spirit and make a decision, or run?
Read Jonah 3:6–10 and 4:1–4. When Jonah obeyed he feigned giving over control,
but he still wanted control over the outcome. Just because God is in the driver’s
seat doesn’t mean you get to be a backseat driver.

Lord, help us accept Your plans for us and teach us through them.
– Noah Parker

devotions for the journey DAY 128