Each week we present the inspirational words of one of our partners at One Community Church in the form of a devotional. This week’s devo was written by Quentin Matlock.
The Word:
The word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and cry against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me.” But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. So he went down to Joppa, found a ship which was going to Tarshish, paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. Jonah 1:1-3 (NASB)
The Story:
I’ve been saved since an early age, but there have been times in my life when I, like Jonah, tried to run from God. Jonah turned his back and disobeyed God, yet the Lord showed patience, love and His sovereign control in Jonah’s life. God went through great lengths to reason with and chasten Jonah because He loved him. In His love, God allowed me to experience a small portion of the hurt from my sin. He would only let me stray so far; just like he did with Jonah. By his grace, He rescued me from situations that I entered into, fully intending to sin. It is so encouraging for me to know that not only does God deeply love me, but He’s in control of every detail of my life. This gives me confidence to run to Him, rather than foolishly think that there’s anywhere I can go away from His presence!
The Reflection:
Are there any areas in your life where you are resisting what God has given you to do?
What is causing you to run away from the Lord? Lack of trust? Discouragement? Inconvenience?
The Application:
This week, pray for God’s strength to help you submit fully to His desires for your life, even when you don’t understand how it’s beneficial for you to do so. Choose to run to God no matter what.
The Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your grace and patience, even when I purposely disobey your desires for my life. Help me to always run to You, knowing that You love and care for me deeply. Amen.
