God "Is" (My take on Jonah)

I have been thinking about and reading the book of Jonah recently.  Because it is only four chapters I actually read it multiple times, and in a couple different versions Monday.  So, while sitting in my hotel room waiting for a part to be delivered I decided I would try to express what God has been speaking to me.

What initially got me thinking about Jonah is the biggest thing God has put on my heart recently, the question of “Who am I to try to limit God?”  God has really impressed on me that He “Is”.  What does that mean?  I think about when He told Moses to go the Pharaoh and say “I am” sent you.  Or like the ebay commercial “whatever ‘it’ is”.  God “Is”.  He is everything! He created everything! He knows everything!  Is that enough everythings? 

Jonah knew this, yet he, like I often have, tried to force his will on God.  God told him to do something that he did not want to do, something that made him uncomfortable (yes, God does do that).  And instead of doing it he ran.  He tried to hide from God.

We read later in chapters three and four why he ran.

Jonah 3:10 When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened.

Jonah 4:1 This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. ² So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn't I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. ³ Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.” (NLT)

Jonah let his pride get in the way of him doing what God wanted him to do.  He was more concerned about looking foolish in man’s eyes than obedient in God’s!  To top it off while he was in the belly of the fish he cried out to God and repented and God showed him mercy.  Yet when the people of Nineveh cried out and repented Jonah did not want God to show them mercy.  Not just because they did not deserve it but because he did not want to be wrong!  He said he would rather be dead than be wrong!

At the end of the story Jonah still goes up on a hill to watch and see if God will destroy the city.  He still wanted God to do what he wanted Him to do.  He still tried to force his will on God.

What God is saying to me through this is that when I step out of His will I do open the door for the enemy to come in and attack me (Jonah in the storm then the fish’s belly).  However, He is faithful and just to forgive me, 1 John 1:9, and He will redeem the plan that He has for me.  I have to be willing to do what He is asking me even if it makes me look foolish.  I cannot let my pride get in the way of His will.  

As stated earlier, the other thing I continue to hear is that no matter what happens He “Is”.  If the plan is not what I wanted or expected He still “Is”.  If it did not happen in my timing He still “Is”.  God is my everything and I cannot limit what He is going to do.

My Part

I love the quiet moments of the morning when I get to read something with no loud sounds or flourishing movements around me. Just the gentle lull of the refrigerator and furnace for which I am so grateful.

It is some degrees below zero outside with whistling wind. Why I am allowed to enjoy a cozy and warm home while others endure homelessness I do not know.

The question is what do I do with that?

I have thankfully been blessed to spend time in foreign countries and see how poor that poor can be. The images are seared into my mind. I can almost smell the nauseating smells and see the patches of missing hair from the malnourished.

Oh, to be sure, it has made me a giver. I try to listen intently to the Holy Spirit's leading and give everywhere He says to give. It never feels like enough though. Never.

I suppose it never can feel like enough. This side of heaven, in a fallen world, with hurt and hardship, turmoil and trial, I will never be able to meet all the need I see or feel.

I guess that's why we are each touched by different causes...so we can each do a part.

I pray we will all seek our part. I pray we can all find a quiet moment to get alone with the Father and seek His face and listen carefully for the still, small whisper.

Thank you for speaking Lord.

Faithful to the Faithless

I was reading about the parable of the seeds in Luke today.  It is interesting to think of all the Word that is sown and where it falls and what happens to it.  

I think of where I would be if I had not chosen to cling to the Word and see fruit grow.  

I think of how I have watched so many let the seed be snatched away so easily.

I think of all the Bibles I have in my home and the people around the world who have none.

I think of the story I read my sons about the little child who wanted a Bible of her own so badly that she worked and saved and walked for miles to get one.

Why don't we make reading the Word and writing it on our hearts more of a priority?

We are such self-centered people who let business get in our way.

My dear friend, Carolyn, taught last Wednesday at women's group that BUSY means Being Under Satan's Yoke.  I think this is an excellent reminder of what is happening when we are so otherwise occupied that we can't even get into the Word and sit at His feet.

Lord, thank you that you love us wholly and completely, even when we drift.  You are so faithful to the faithless!  It humbles me today.