I’ll run away instead
Most times, if not every time, the easiest decisions aren’t the best decisions for us. Like how the wide path seems better because of how easy it is to walk (literally and figuratively) so are some of the decisions we make on a daily basis because it’s just easier than taking the narrow path or facing whatever is in front of us.
In the book of Jonah, chapter 1, we see the prophet run away from God’s presence, from an assignment. I’m not sure what his plan was here or how far he thought he would go running away from the One who created everything and is everywhere, but looking at Jonah’s reaction, I can’t help but think of the many times I’ve done this in my daily life. It might not be the exact same scenario, but leaving God’s presence always leads to some painful and serious consequences.
What is being in God’s presence? I believe it’s being in a position of surrender to God, letting Him guide you, protect you, and show you how to navigate this world that is constantly under attack from the devil and his minions, and also abiding by His will in obedience.
Jonah running away is a strong reaction. As a prophet, he knew who God was and what He was capable of, but still he chose to run. This decision is rooted in a strong feeling that is revealed later. He’d rather run than do the assignment. How many times have you in your life run away from accountability, responsibility, difficult conversations, etc? How many times did you decide to scroll on your phone rather than face your problems, or maybe you’ve done it so many times you don’t even know that’s what you’re doing anymore? It was easier, right? To ignore people or to play dumb rather than to converse and face the music. I know I’m guilty of this countless times.
Being a Christian means serving God with your very life, your everyday decisions, and your long thought-out decisions. And serving Him means surrendering to His will, if He says go left, go left, even when going left doesn’t make sense or you don’t like it. Jonah didn’t like God’s plan, but he had to do it out of obedience, even though it ended up being delayed obedience. What are you running away from? What has God put in your heart today that is making you turn in the opposite direction?