There is something about bedtime stories I've always loved. Books are my transition from the crazy paced land of day to the slumbering world of night.
The other night, I read the story of Jonah to my children. I love the pictures in the Read with Me Bible from Zonderkidz and the easy to understand wording. Both my kids, at three and seven years old enjoy this book.
Most of us know the story of Jonah. God told him to go to Nineveh to tell the people there to stop doing bad things and to believe in God.
Jonah didn't want to obey, so he literally jumped on a ship that was traveling in the opposite direction. A storm blew up, a storm so severe the sailors knew it was from God and asked Jonah what he'd done to anger God.
Jonah knew in his heart he'd ran away from God. He told the sailors to throw him in the ocean.
When Jonah told the sailors this, he had no idea that God was going to send a whale to save him. Jonah only knew he'd gone against God.
This story made me stop and think. Would I have taken that step?
Without knowing how or if God would save me, would I tell someone to throw me into the churning sea?
How often we ignore God's call. Aren't we all guilty of acting like Jonah at some point in our lives?
God has called each of to do something for Him. Your calling will be different than mine, but we all have one none the less.
Will we run onto the closest ship? When God sends the storm to call us back, will we throw ourselves over the side in trust?
God will never call you do to something that He won't also equip you for.
Dear Jesus,
I pray that you would help us to see clearly the paths you've chosen for us. Don't let us run from your calling. Help us to follow you and never experience the belly of the whale. We thank you for your mercy that if we do stumble, you will send, and did with your Son, whatever it takes or is necessary to rescue us. Please give each of strength and clear direction. In Jesus name, Amen.
Have you ever ran from God? How did He get your attention?
Hi! I found your blog through Better Mom Monday…great post 🙂 I looked around your site a bit…I am also a (wannabe) author. I have written, but still too scared of the publishing part so far. My novel is a contemporary, but what I love to read most is Historical Christian Romance, and that’s what I hope to write one day. Blessings to you! Crystal
Hi, Crystal. I’m so glad you stopped by. Publishing part can be scary, but there are so many helpful people in the publishing industry. In fact, I have a special surprise planned this Friday on my blog that I think you’ll love and may give you the boost you need. 🙂 Be sure to check back.
What’s your favorite Historical Christian romance you’ve read recently?