Running in Circles to Get Away?

How much time have you wasted over the years running in circles to get away from the will of GOD for your life? The majority of Christians have been guilty at one time or another of running in other directions to escape going where GOD would have them to be—you’ve done and I’ve done it!

I look back over the years and see numerous times, too many to count, where I thought I knew better or simply just refused what God had in mind for me. I see so much wasted time that could’ve been used for the sake of the kingdom of GOD but I was too busy doing my own thing. I look back on these occasions with great regret!

I have often seen myself in much the same light as Jonah. The Bible puts it this way:  (Jonah 1:1-2 HCSB). Simple, straight-forward command of the Lord.

But, the Bible tells us Jonah had different plans. It says: “Jonah got up to flee to Tarshish from the Lord’s presence. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. He paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish, from the Lord’s presence” (v. 3).

The Bible clearly indicates that Jonah was attempting to escape the presence of GOD—it relates this idea twice. And his intention to disobey GOD was even more clearly indicated by the fact that he headed in the opposite direction.

How often have you done much the same thing? GOD tells you to go speak to an individual about Him and you head the opposite direction to keep from even crossing paths with the person. GOD tells you to go help out a person in need and you make excuses about how that person deserves to be where they are or they’re just scamming money.

It really happens more often than we even realize—GOD prompting us to do something for Him—to touch someone’s life in a special way—to make an impact in the world we are in. We have a tendency to simply overlook what GOD’s Spirit is trying to lead us to do. We are no different than Jonah in this regard!

We must learn to be sensitive to the Spirit’s guidance and then be willing to say, “Yes, LORD! Not my will but Yours be done through me.” Blessings from GOD come through these times of interaction we experience when we walk in obedience to GOD’s will. There is no greater joy and satisfaction that can come to human spirit than impacting another individual’s life through simple obedience to the prompting of GOD’s Spirit. Be sensitive and discover what GOD is truly trying to lead you to today!

Scripture Reading: “Protect me, God, for I take refuge in You. I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; I have no good besides You.’ As for the holy people who are in the land, they are the noble ones in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those who take another god for themselves multiply; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, and I will not speak their names with my lips. Lord, You are my portion and my cup of blessing; You hold my future. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I will praise the Lord who counsels me- even at night my conscience instructs me. I keep the Lord in mind always. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my body also rests securely. For You will not abandon me to Sheol; You will not allow Your Faithful One to see the Pit. You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures” (Psalm 16 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father GOD, I praise You for never giving up on me. I have run away from You; I have run away from Your instruction to me; I have failed You more times than I could ever know; yet, You remain faithful. Lord, help me to be sensitive to Your Spirit. Help me to reach out beyond my little world so others can come to know Jesus through a word I speak or an action I do. I want to follow in complete obedience to You from this day forward. I promise to go out of my way if need be to touch someone with Your love and gracious mercy. I love You, LORD,…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!