Have you ever felt the urge to run away from something you know you should face? Perhaps it's a responsibility, a difficult conversation, or a calling that seems too daunting. This impulse to flee is deeply human, and it's a theme that resonates throughout history and scripture.
Consider the story of Jonah, a prophet who received a clear directive from God to go to Nineveh and call out against its wickedness. Instead of obeying, Jonah "rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord." He went in the exact opposite direction, boarding a ship and paying the fare to escape his divine assignment.
Jonah's reaction might seem extreme, but how often do we find ourselves doing something similar? We hear that still, small voice urging us to take action, to reach out to someone, or to make a change in our lives, and our first instinct is to turn away. We busy ourselves with distractions – whether it's work, entertainment, or even seemingly productive activities – anything to avoid confronting what God is asking of us.
This tendency to run isn't limited to those who don't know God. Even believers, like Jonah, can find themselves fleeing from divine guidance. It's a sobering reminder that knowing God doesn't automatically translate to always following His will. Sometimes, the closer we are to God, the more challenging His calls can be, as they often require us to confront our prejudices, fears, and comfort zones.
The story of the rich young ruler in the Gospels illustrates this point. When Jesus told him to sell all he had and follow Him, the man "went away sad, because he had great wealth." He was close to embracing the call, but ultimately chose to walk away. How many times have we been in similar situations, where we're on the brink of obedience but retreat at the last moment?
The futility of running from God is beautifully captured in Psalm 139: "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there." This psalm reminds us that there is no escape from God's presence. He is omnipresent, all-knowing, and all-seeing.
Trying to run from God is like a lifeguard abandoning their post when they see someone drowning. It goes against the very purpose we're called to fulfill. Just as a lifeguard is trained and positioned to save lives, we too are placed in specific situations and given unique gifts to fulfill God's purposes. When we run, we're not just disobeying God; we're denying our own potential and purpose.
The consequences of running from God can be severe. Jonah's attempt to flee led him into a storm, being thrown overboard, and swallowed by a great fish. While our experiences may not be as dramatic, running from God often leads to inner turmoil, loss of peace, and a sense of unfulfillment. As one preacher aptly put it, "Those who travel on Satan's road always pay Satan's toll."
However, the beautiful truth is that even when we run, God pursues us. He doesn't give up on us. Just as He sent a storm and a fish to redirect Jonah, God often uses circumstances in our lives to bring us back to His path. His love is relentless, and His grace is abundant.
So how should we respond when we feel God's call? Instead of rising up to flee like Jonah, we should bow down in submission like Jesus in Gethsemane, saying, "Not my will, but yours be done." This posture of humility and surrender is the key to aligning ourselves with God's will.
Embracing God's call often requires change, which can be uncomfortable and even painful. It might mean giving up long-held prejudices, stepping out of our comfort zones, or sacrificing something we hold dear. But the rewards of obedience far outweigh the temporary discomfort.
Remember, God's plan for our lives is what will truly fulfill us. When we run, we're not just disobeying God; we're cheating ourselves out of the best life possible. It's like ignoring a GPS that's trying to guide us to our destination and instead choosing to wander aimlessly.
As we reflect on this, let's ask ourselves: Where in our lives might we be running from God? Are there areas where we've heard His call but have been hesitant to respond? It could be a prompting to reconcile with someone, to volunteer for a cause, to change a habit, or to step into a new role or ministry.
Whatever it may be, let's choose today to stop running and instead turn towards God. Let's embrace His call with open arms, trusting that His plans for us are good, even when they're challenging. Remember, we can never truly escape God's presence, so why not lean into it and discover the joy and purpose that come from walking in step with Him?
In the end, the choice is ours. We can continue to run, paying the price and bearing the consequences, or we can submit to God's will and experience the peace and fulfillment that come from being in the center of His purpose for our lives. Let's choose the latter, stepping boldly into whatever God is calling us to do, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.
