We All Sometimes Feel Like Running Away!
If you grew up reading Bible stories, you probably know Jonah – the very reluctant prophet who ended up inside a giant fish! But Jonah’s story is more than just a lesson about running from your problems. It’s about a regular guy who really did care about God but, honestly, just didn’t want to do what God asked. Can you relate? I know I can.
When God told Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh and share a message, Jonah said, “Nope!” and headed the other direction.
Fast.
He wasn’t just being stubborn for the fun of it. He was scared. He was angry. He just didn’t want to do the hard thing God asked him to do. But instead of dropping him, God chased after Jonah, even as he ran away.
Jonah’s story reminds us that no matter how far we go or how we try to hide, God doesn’t give up on us. Even when Johah’s choices landed him in deep water (literally), God was right there. It’s also a story about second chances and a God who is more patient and loving than we could ever imagine.
So if you’ve ever tried to run away when God nudges you to forgive, to speak up, or step out, then Jonah’s story is for you!
The Scripture
The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai:
“Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”
But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.
Jonah 1:1-3 (NIV)
Breakdown of the Verse
Let’s slow down and break down this scripture:
- God gives Jonah a clear instruction: “Go to Nineveh.” There was no confusion, the message was clear and direct.
- Jonah literally runs the other way – Scripture tells us that instead of heading east toward Nineveh, he heads west toward Tarshish.
- “To flee from the Lord” – We are given the exact reason he’s running. Even though Jonah knows that God is everywhere, he somehow hopes running will make a difference.
- He pays a price – Jonah literally pays a fare to board a ship to run. Just like Jonah, when we run away from God, it often costs more than we realize – emotionally, physically, even financially.
But why did Jonah run? Was he simply scared? Was he angry because he didn’t like the idea that God was offering mercy to his enemies? Or did he just want his own way?
What follows is a major storm. Johan is thrown overboard and is swallowed by the giant fish. If the fish hadn’t been there, Jonah would most certainly have drowned. Maybe Jonah’s story is also trying to show us that sometimes the “big fish” moments in our lives – the scary, unexpected things – might actually be God’s way of saving us from something even worse. Maybe what feels like the end is really just grace in disguise.
Faith in Action
Reflection Questions
Affirmation
God loves me even when I run the other way. He always gives me a second chance.
Prayer for the Day
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for never giving up on me, even when I run from the hard things You ask me to do. Forgive me for the times I try to escape Your purpose or I ignore Your voice. Today, please help me to stop running and start trusting. Give me the courage to obey, even when it’s uncomfortable. Remind me that Your plans are always for my good, and Your forgiveness is always bigger than my failures. Show me how to offer grace to others as freely as You offer it to me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
