Devotion 1: We All Run Away
Pastor Ryan Story
Have you ever had that sinking feeling when you know exactly what you’re supposed to do, but it’s the absolute last thing on earth you want to do? I feel the weightiness of Paul’s words when he says, “For I do not understand my own actions” (Romans 7:15). If you are like me, maybe this thing you have to do is a difficult conversation you need to have, returning to obedience to how you are living for Jesus, an apology you need to make, or a task that feels overwhelming. You know the right path, but every aspect of your being wants to find that side road, that detour, that other way to go. If you’ve been there, you’re in good company. Just ask Jonah.
God gave Jonah a clear command, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me” (Jonah 1:2). Nineveh was the capital of Assyria, the brutal and pagan enemy of the Israelites. For Jonah, this wasn't just an inconvenient request; it was unthinkable. He was being asked to offer a message of warning, and potential mercy, to people he despised and feared.
I love the Bible because it shows that even those who are in its pages struggle with their obedience to God. So, in this moment when Jonah was told, “Arise, go,” what did this prophet of God do? He said, "Nope!" and booked a ticket on a ship headed for Tarshish, the complete opposite direction. It’s almost comical. Jonah, a man who spoke for God, thought he could somehow outrun God’s presence and plan. We have never been there, right? Only me?
It’s a powerful and humbling reminder that even the most dedicated people of faith can mess up big time. We can let our own prejudice, fear, or comfort get in the way of God’s call. We can convince ourselves that our plan is better, or just plain easier. Jonah’s story gives us permission to admit that sometimes we want to run away from our Nineveh.
The most beautiful part of the story of Jonah is that God’s plan didn’t depend on Jonah’s perfection. God pursued Jonah, not to punish him, but God wanted to show His mercy and grace, not only to the Assyrians, but to Jonah himself. Through a storm and a great fish, God mercifully rerouted this reluctant prophet. That truth should bring us all to praise. His ultimate goal was redemption, and God was willing to use a flawed, disobedient messenger to get it done.
Our mistakes, our detours, our moments of running scared should never have the final say. God’s grace is bigger than our biggest failures. We worship a God of second chances. We all stumble, we are all disobedient at times, but praise God, His powerful plans work in our lives as He is working on those around us.