Are You Still Running?

Anytime that we choose to disobey the Lord's specific instructions to us, we are running from Him. The story of Jonah illustrates what can happen when a person rebels against the Almighty.

The Lord tells Jonah to go to the gentiles of Nineveh and call the people to repent. But because of his dislike for them, an enemy of Israel, he refused and got in a ship headed in the opposite direction. The narrative teaches us a powerful lesson about the foolishness of resisting God's will.

The Lord does not withdraw His command simply because we are unwilling to obey it.

Although Jonah ran from God's will, the divine command remained unchanged and the Lord was about to get Jonah's attention. If you don't hear the Lord's voice, ask Him to communicate in a way that you can understand. The Father speaks to us through His Word, through our conscience, and through the Holy Spirit.

It is impossible to run from God successfully.

Jonah took a ship "to flee to Tarshish and from the presence of the LORD" (Jonah 1:3).

When God sent a fierce storm that threatened to capsize the boat, the prophet told the sailors to cast him overboard if they wanted to survive. Apparently, he was willing to die rather than obey God (v.12). Only after Jonah found himself in the belly of "a great fish" was he willing to obey the Lord (2:1-9). Why are we so stubborn?

How do people today attempt to run from God?

They act to please themselves rather than do what the Lord desires of them. For example, they ignore wise counsel regarding a potential marriage partner or refuse to discipline their children. Instead of serving God with their talents they seek out fame and fortune in this world and turn their backs on Him. You cannot disobey God without it costing you in some way.

Running from the Lord results in painful circumstances.

The greater the call on your life, the more guilt you will feel when you choose to rebel. Jonah felt so uncomfortable that he was willing to die. He told the sailors, "Throw me into the sea" (1:12). Sin always results in loss of some kind. We may lose abilities, time, money, opportunities, or relationships.

When you run from God, your disobedience will often bring pain and loss to others.

Jonah's rebellion cost the sailors their cargo and, therefore, their profit from the voyage. He also endangered their lives. We like to think that sin is a private matter and no one will be hurt by our disobedience. But when we rebel against the Lord, there is always a price to be paid, by ourselves and the people that love us.

The Good News: The Father's grace frequently provides a second chance.

Many times the Lord gives us another opportunity to obey Him.

After the sea creature deposited Jonah on land, the prophet traveled to Nineveh and preached to the people. They responded to the divine warning and turned from their evil ways (3:1-5).

The Lord isn't looking for perfect men and women; rather, He seeks those who are available to serve Him.

Jonah was angry that God would have compassion on an enemy of Israel. He wanted God's goodness to be shown only to Israel not the gentiles. When judgment didn't fall on the wicked city, the prophet was so angry and depressed that he asked the Lord to take his life (4:1-8). But God used Jonah despite his attitude.

Running from God can be eternally disastrous.

Scripture says that we reap what we sow (Gal. 6:7-8). Those who run from the Lord by Choosing not to believe in His Son will reap eternal separation from Him.

Conclusion: When believers rebel against God's will, they bring pain and loss upon themselves as well as other people. The good news is that the Lord often gives second chance to obey Him. Have you been running from your Creator in some area of your life? If so, return to the Father and give Him complete control. He delights to work through available, obedient servants.

God Bless and Press On

Larry

*from sermon notes by Charles Stanley

"The Costly Decision to Run From God"