Today’s Encouragement is Jonah 1:1-2 NLT The LORD gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.”
Get up and Go –
Jonah ran from God. He rebelled against God’s call and God’s instruction, he essentially tried to commit suicide, was miraculously saved by God’s grace, and was again called to preach, and finally, this time He did. And his preaching, his call to repentance in an ungodly city – led to a citywide repentance with humbling and fasting!
And Jonah’s response? He was angry (v4:1)! Later, he and God had an experience over a shady vine and a worm, and Jonah – true to form – is again angry (v4:9), pouting, despairing of his own life!
Friend, this guy was no saint! He was selfish, pouting, angry, rebellious… but… he did hear God’s voice! He did ultimately obey (even if reluctantly) and God did work through him, through his obedient preaching and call to repentance, and the people repented!
Jonah was totally self-centered. But God used him. Isn’t it possible my friend, that since God used Jonah, to save a city… He can also accomplish His purposes through you and me? He does not need perfect people. But, when we obey God, whether reluctantly or joyfully – He acts.
Father God, help us to willingly accept the work You have set before us, no matter how we feel about it, how we may fear it, or even disagree as Jonah did. Help us to simply obey.
I will Follow
Chris Tomlin
Today’s Encouragement 