The book of Jonah has been on my mind lately. While there are many lessons to be learned, there is one theme in this story that keeps playing over and over in my head. Our God is a God of second chances. Not only is He a God of second chances, He is a God of third, fourth, and fifth chances. As long as we have breath in us, God is mercifully giving us chances to seek Him, be obedient, and do His will.
I am ashamed to say how long it has taken me on numerous occasions to do what He has asked of me. I’ve been afraid to step out in faith for fear of rejection or being ridiculed. I’ve felt too busy or refused to make time for it. The small and big details of His plans have led to me procrastinating and never taking any action. Sometimes, financial sacrifices have scared me. Other times, I’ve just rebelled against giving up a sin or simply done what I wanted to do.
In effect, I’ve ran away from God again and again just like Jonah did. Yet, God in His great mercy stays right with me, reminding me, and not giving up on me.
So I am here to say when God calls you to do something, He will pursue you to the ends of the earth until you do it just like He did Jonah. As long as we live whether we are young or old, we have the chance to answer His call.
Is there something in your life right now God is asking you to step out in faith and do? Is there something He is asking you to stop doing? If you are reading this right now and are not a follower of Jesus Christ, is He asking you to get to know Him?
Whatever the case may be, I want to encourage you to stop running away, take the chance, and just do it. It’s something I never regret.
Dressed in Faith
Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”
Jonah 3:1-2