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This Week’s Devotional Topic
RUN BUT CANNOT HIDE
You can run but you cannot hide. When we ask God to provide us with wisdom and directions for our lives, we should listen and obey. Not turn our backs on what we know. Understand that the attributes of God include being omnipresent, everywhere at once. He is all knowing, nothing that He does not know. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. He is aware of everything from before creation until eternity future. We cannot hide from God.
To say that we can be intimidated by those aspects of His person, is an incredible understatement. There is one more element that brings us comfort and confidence…God is LOVE! His communication with us as well as all of His other character traits are directed by His love. So, the fact that you can run but cannot hide from God should set our minds at ease. We cannot hide from the love of God. Instead, we should be listening intently for his voice. With our heart responding as Samuel did…speak Lord for thy servant heareth.
When God gave Jonah clear instructions, it was similar to when He speaks to us today. Most of the time, we know He is leading and we can tell that there is something we should do or say. The Lord loved Jonah and wanted to use him in ministry that Jonah would be blessed through that service.
That account begins in Jonah chapter one. He refused to obey, choosing instead to run. We read in the verses after Jonah finally did obey, that possibly the main reason he made that fateful decision was that He understood enough about God’s love that He would likely draw those people to Himself. And in fact, scripture states that God knew that there were 120,000 souls in Nineveh that were deserving of being overthrown. They needed to repent.
Jonah 1:1-3 The LORD gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.” 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.
A storm came up and all aboard were afraid that they would sink. They ended up throwing Jonah over the side. Then we read in verse 17… “Now the LORD had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights. Jonah prayed and then the LORD ordered the fish to spit him out onto the beach. He went to Nineveh proclaiming that the people had 40 days before their city would be overthrown.” Everyone from the King down repented, turning from their evil ways.
As we look for and watch for God’s direction, remember that the entire Bible is God’s instruction to us, to show us His will, clearly. He is not trying to trick us but loves us and wants what He knows is best for us and for those around us. And if you are not sure whether what you are considering is God’s direction remember that He does not ‘tempt’ any man. “Temptation” is designed to draw us away from God. His call to you for some purpose or opportunity may be a “test” and that is good as its purpose is to draw us closer to Him.
When we think we recognize something we should do, be sure that it is God speaking to you. Pray, search scripture and when needed, remember that there is wisdom in a multitude of counselors. Seek out mature Christians.
In the Fall of 2014, I got the call requesting that I take on the responsibility of Call To Worship. Wow, I felt incredibly honored to be considered for that position and yet in my eyes, it was very poor timing. I had a very full plate consisting of a job requiring between 40 to 50 hours per week, was providing care for my elderly father and involved in the Christian Oldies ministry. After two weeks of prayer, seeking counsel from my wife, and a few close Christian friends, I said yes. Since that time, God has given me the time needed to take care of all that He has called me to do in His ministry. I praise and thank Him for what He has placed in my hands.
One way to determine what you hear is from God is that it meets this test.
James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
A phrase that I have shared with our children and many others over the years is that “It is always best to obey, the first time, right away”.
I Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice
When you sense that there is something God wants you to do, don’t be afraid and run the other way, siting a list of reasons you can’t do it. Trust Him, he knows what is best for you. He will direct your steps. Take that first step into the river and watch as He holds back the waters, allowing you to walk on through on dry land.
This week’s Scripture:
Jonah 1:1-3:10; James 3:17 and I Samuel 15:22
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