This week started an online study of the book of Jonah. You know the one – the fish story. I have heard this story so many times, starting from very young being in Sunday School. And yet, there was more to be learned ….

God gave Jonah a very specific task to do, even giving Jonah details of what he was to say. He was to go to the people of Ninevah and announce judgment on the people due to their own wickedness. Pretty succinct. Very clear as to what Jonah was to do. And mind you, it was God Himself telling Jonah.

What does Jonah do?

“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 1:3, NLT)

Wait! God tells Jonah what He wants him to do and Jonah’s response?

He got up and went in the opposite direction.

His hope?

To get away from the Lord.

His goal?

To escape from the Lord.

Before I get too hard on Jonah, I have been just like Jonah at times in my life. Perhaps you have as well. It amazes me how we can go our own way and think we are OK because we are still serving God or doing good. Our plans may be noble, admirable even, but … they are not God’s plans.

If I am not serving where God has led me, or instructed me, then I am running from God just as Jonah did. I am no different than he.

It is God’s plans I am to pursue and run after, not my own. He knows in full all that He is desiring to accomplish in my life and yours. His plan may not make sense to me. I may not even like it. But it is His plans which are best.

Praying today for my heart to always align with His.

I really do not want to go on a whale watch 🙂

Today I am joining …. Thought Provoking Thurs. and Tell His Story and Quitting Thurs. and Thurs. Favorite Things and Thrive at Home and Hearts For Home .