What Happens When I Run from God and His Direction For My Life

In review of Jonah 1:3 this morning, I read that  when given direction “Jonah immediately tried to run away from the LORD by going to Tarshish.” (GW)

Jonah knew that God had a specific job for him, but he didn't want to do it. When God gives me direction through his Word, I can run in fear, or be stubborn, or think God is asking way too much of me. Running can only get me into trouble. I need to understand that it is best to do what God asks in the first place. I can pay a costly price for running. It is far better to obey from the start.

God has given me a unique mission. He also gives me a choice as to whether or not I fulfill that mission.

God gave Jonah a mission: to warn the people of Nineveh that judgment was coming. But “Jonah immediately tried to run away from the Lord by going to Tarshish” (Jonah 1:3 GW).

Jonah faced consequences for his decision, the same kind of consequences I too may encounter if I run away from God’s mission for my life.

The Bible says that when Jonah boarded a ship to get away from his mission, God sent a powerful wind to push the boat back (Jonah 1:4).

Why did God do that? In Jonah’s circumstance God loved him and wanted him to make a good decision that would give him a life of purpose and fulfillment. God will often send opposition my way to encourage me to make better decisions.

Jonah’s disobedience also threatened the lives of everyone on the boat to Tarshish. When I run away from God, innocent people, including those I care about, can get hurt. Maybe it’s your spouse, your kids, your grandkids, or your friends. Sometimes it’s people I don’t even know. People can get hurt because of my disobedience.

Jonah shows that when I run from God, my life starts a downward trajectory. My disobedience will cost me financially, physically, and relationally.

Nineveh was more than 550 miles away, but Jonah tried running to Tarshish, which was 2,500 miles away in the opposite direction. The truth is, I can’t run from God for the rest of my life. He’s everywhere and he knows everything. But he gives me choices because he wants me to love him and follow him voluntarily.

Since God has my best interest at heart, why run from him?

In summary, After learning what God wanted him to do, Jonah immediately tried to run away from the LORD. Jonah knew that God had a specific job for him, but he didn't want to do it. When God gives me direction through his Word, I can run in fear, or be stubborn, or think God is asking way too much of me. However running can only get me into trouble. God has given me a unique mission. He also gives me a choice as to whether or not I fulfill that mission. I may face and encounter consequences if I run away from God’s mission for my life. God loves me and wants me to make a good decision that would give me a life of purpose and fulfillment. God will often send opposition my way to encourage me to make better decisions. When I run away from God, innocent people, including those I care about, can get hurt. Sometimes it’s people I don’t even know. Also when I run from God, my life starts a downward trajectory. My disobedience will cost me financially, physically, and relationally. I can’t run from God for the rest of my life. He’s everywhere and he knows everything. But he gives me choices because he wants me to love him and follow him voluntarily.

Today I need to consider if I’m running away from something God has told me to do and why do I think I’m resisting? I must always remember that God is for me and not against me. I must be willing to obey whatever God asks.

Father I pray this morning for clarity on the mission you have for me. I can fulfill what I already know to be true from your Word, by how I respond to the leadership above (regardless of what they have done) by doing what’s right regardless. I want to finish in my role well, and do as much as I can to help complete the objectives that have been set before me. I also ask for wisdom and guidance for my next job role, for my day, for my work, for my leadership and for my interactions with others. These things I pray in our Son Jesus’ name, Amen.