Ephesians 5:14: Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.” (NKJV)
Jonah had an assignment from God and was found deep in the lowest part of a ship fast asleep. The captain of the ship discovered Jonah fast asleep and asked, “What do you mean, you sleeper? Arise, call on your God; perhaps your God will consider us, so that we may not perish.” (Jonah 1: 6 NKJV)
The Captain could not understand why and how Jonah could sleep when there were things to be done. There was a storm happening that threatened the life of everyone on that ship yet in the midst of his life being in danger Jonah was sleeping. We thank God for the captains in our lives that wake us up so that we can address the storms threatening us. The people God puts in our lives to hold us accountable are lifesavers.
Here are a few questions for you today:
- “Has God given you something to do?”
- “Are you sleeping when there are things to be done?”
- “Do you believe that your obedience to God or lack thereof can affect others?”
Most people know and can relate to the story of Jonah and how he ran from God’s assignment. But typically, we stop at the point of just acknowledging that we have run from God. We acknowledge, ok God I have run from you, but we don’t really think about what that means.
Read the short but impactful book of Jonah and you will see that Jonah had a few heart issues that led to his flight and slumber through a major storm risking the lives of everyone around him.
On this day, I encourage you to reflect on the things that God has called you to do and why you may be running from them. If you don’t know where to start, try Matthew 6:33-34 and Isaiah 55:6 -13 as foundational scriptures.
They can help you to get or remain on track with God. By seeking the kingdom of God first, you will begin to learn who God is and how He operates. You will begin to see where God is taking you and those around you. By acknowledging and understanding that God’s ways are not our ways, you will begin to accept the things that God calls you to do. Even when they are outside of your comfort zone or thoughts.
Be sure to get a mentor and solid Bible believing community on this journey who can help you wake up and stop running from God. It is time to do something about the habit to run that you notice in your life.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, I humble myself before your mighty name. I have been running from you. I have been sleeping, knowing that there are things you have called me to do. I ask for your forgiveness. I lay my heart before you so that the cause for this lack of obedience be removed from my life by your grace, love, and mercy. Wake me up oh Lord, so that I may finish the works you have called me to do in a spirit of excellence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.