Jonah 1:1-2 “Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai, saying, ‘Go at once to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before me.’”

I know what my first reaction would be if I were in Jonah’s shoes (or sandals, as the case may be.)

My response would be disbelief.  I would shake it off knowing I must have heard wrong and then go back to whatever I was doing.  I also know enough to know the Lord does not quit.  Even if I try to shake off a direction from the Lord, He will pursue me again, just as he did Jonah.

I couldn't help reading the first few verses of Jonah this morning because the Thursday morning bible study I attend is beginning a study on Jonah.  I love gaining different perspective on scripture from the other women that participate and I love to study the word more deeply than I would otherwise.

The first section of Jonah is subtitled Jonah Tries to Run Away from God.  I snicker and scoff at Jonah but then I realize I have tried to run away from God many times in my life as well and I have not even been given a task like Jonah was!  It would be the equivalent of God saying to me “Go immediately to Las Vegas, that great city...”  Can you imagine?  Me either.

I am led to wonder, what is God calling me to do?  Very rarely have I felt I am called to sit and relax, sip my tea or coffee and enjoy a vacation from the work of his kingdom.  Hmm. Where will he lead us next?

Lord,

Forgive my trepidation when I think of serving you in hard times.  You give us what we need to serve you every time in all ways so I come back to the throne in humility.  Give me the courage to do whatever you ask of me and the faith to know you go with me, I do not go alone.  I am yours, use me as you will.  Amen.