Today’s Encouragement is, “But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the LORD.” Jonah 1:3a NLT
To Get Away –
One of the many beautiful promises of God is, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
God had plans for Jonah (just as He does for you and me), but Jonah wasn’t having it. He thought he could get away, hide, and ignore God. He rebelled, refused, reluctantly complied…, and then pouted, complaining that God was too merciful!
But God… was patient. He guided and arranged Jonah’s life; He had plans. He was consistently faithful, patient, tolerant, and merciful to Jonah and the people of Nineveh. He rescued Jonah again and again – from himself!
He ran away, tried suicide, pouted, complained about God’s mercy… and yet, nothing Jonah did in his self-pitying rebellion thwarted the plans of God.
Jonah was not a “hero of the faith;” he was a loser, a coward, depressed and suicidal. He did not deserve God’s mercy! But God… still chose to have mercy on him, used him, didn’t give up on him; God had good plans for him.
And today, God still has plans for you and me, even though we don’t deserve them. He is patient, merciful, and compassionate.
Father God, we cannot thank You enough for Your grace and mercy. We certainly don’t deserve it, yet You extend it to us simply because we trust in Jesus. Thank You isn’t enough.
Even when you’re running
Casting Crowns
Today’s Encouragement 