Posted on November 4, 2025

Running in the Opposite Direction

In my devotion time the other morning, I was reading the story of Jonah. There’s so much to learn from this story, but I want to sermonically zoom in where Jonah knew that God had a specific job for him, but he allowed his strong hatred for the people (Assyrians) God instructed him to minister to; to be stronger than his obedience to God. This really convicted my spirit for several reasons: (1) How many times have I been disobedience to what God has asked me to do? (2) How many times have I ran in the opposite direction because I tried to be selective in whom I ministered to? Ouch!

When God gives us directions through His word, sometimes we run in fear or stubbornness, claiming that God is asking too much. Either way, running got Jonah in worst trouble. True, in the end, Jonah understood that it is best to do what God asks in the first place. But by then he had paid a costly price for running. Most importantly, our running might not just affect us, but those around us and in our inner circle. We cannot seek God’s love and run from Him at the same time. Jonah soon realized that no matter where he went, he couldn’t run from God. However, before Jonah could return to God, he first had to stop going in the opposite direction.

What has God asked you to do? Whom has He asked you to minister to? If we want more of God’s power, we must be willing to carry out the responsibilities He gives us. Read the story of Jonah and be encouraged. Yes, he disobeyed God, but even as he was running in a different direction than where God had asked him to go, he stopped and submitted to God. God will allow our mistakes to help others.

I know you are probably thinking that God hasn’t called you, but you are the one! It doesn’t matter what you have done, or where you have been; just ask me! Stop running in the opposite direction of what God has called you to, because He will see you through.

Consequences of running from God's call

• Increased turmoil: Instead of finding peace, you may experience increased inner conflict or face external storms in life, as was the case with Jonah when he fled.
• Harm to others: Your disobedience can put innocent people in danger, as the sailors on Jonah's ship were threatened by the storm his disobedience caused.
• It won't bring fulfillment: Running from God's call will not lead to the fulfillment you might be seeking; in fact, true peace and fulfillment are found in walking in His purpose for your life.
• You can't hide: You may try to get as far away as possible, but you cannot hide from God, who is all-knowing.

What God does when you run

• He pursues you: God's calling does not change, and He will continue to pursue you and guide you back to His plan.
• He uses your circumstances: He can allow storms or other events in life, not to punish you, but to get your attention and bring you back to Him.
• He doesn't give up: God does not give up on you when you try to flee. He could have chosen someone else to carry out His will, but He continues to call you.

Blessings,