“The Lord spoke his word to Jonah son of Amittai: Get up, go to the great city of Nineveh, and preach against it, because I see the evil things they do.” Jonah 1:1-2
When God calls you, how do you react? Do you easily follow or are you like me, asking are you sure Lord? Just like Noah, sometimes we run from God’s calling. God does not give up, nor does he force us to take on the calling. Jonah had run and jumped ship, was tossed off during a storm and swallowed by a fish for three days. Finally, he decides to take on the call and headed to Nineveh. Now Jonah knew God was calling him to this mission but decided he didn’t want to do it. He was convinced that if he went to Nineveh the people would listen and repent, so he even went so far as to be mad when they did. I don’t know if I could be as brave as Jonah or to be that evasive. When I heard the calling from God I was convinced I heard wrong. I still struggle as to where I am heading but I am glad that Jesus did not have to use a fish to convince me to listen. Has God called you to something specific? Are you avoiding it or are you saying, “here I am Lord, send me!” Or are you waiting for a fish to swallow you?
Dear God, I pray that when you call, I have the strength and wisdom to answer. I pray for those who are wondering if you are truly calling them. Please give them your wisdom and direction in a way that they are convinced that you are truly calling them. Give us peace and comfort and your grace as we struggle with our own thoughts and doubts. You are an amazing God, and your mercy endures forever. I pray all of this in your Son’s name Amen.