Are You Running From God?

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'...the word...came to Jonah the second time...'
Jonah 3:1

Jonah did some serious praying in the whale's belly; he repented of his prejudice and learned to love people he despised. It was there he became willing to preach things people don't like to hear. And you'll notice something else. God didn't intervene until he repented. Most of us want God to move before we've moved. No, Jonah acted, then God responded; He commanded the fish and it vomited Jonah up onto dry land, whereupon the runaway prophet asked for directions to Ninevah. Sometimes because of our rebellious spirit we don't get it right until the next marriage. Sometimes because of our rebellious spirit we don't get it right until we're fifty. Sometimes because of our rebellious spirit we don't overcome our addiction until later, although we could have overcome it sooner.

Like Jonah we have to go to the bottom. But whatever it takes, God will do it. You can go to Ninevah yourself, or God can take you there. But it's easier to obey the first time. Jonah's story proves that the Lord is a God of second chances. '...the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time...' (Jonah 3:1 NKJV). Good news: Even though you've run from God, made a shipwreck of your life and feel like you're drowning, God will redeem and restore you if you'll turn to Him. He will give you a second chance in your marriage, your ministry or your vocation. But there's one condition; God is not going to change His mind to accommodate what you want, so you need to change your mind and attitude and do what He says, okay?

Used with permission from UCB Word for Today. Free issues are available here for the UK and Republic of Ireland.