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You Can Run and Sleep but You Can’t Hide

Jonah wanted to get away from God’s calling, but he didn’t stand a chance when he started running from God.  Why? Because we can run from God all we want but we can NEVER hide from God.  I also discovered this fact the hard way.  
Here’s what happens when we walk or run away from God.  The further we get away from God the harder we make our lives.  We make bad decisions, we create conflict and we let our flesh rule instead of the Holy Spirit.  

Then what do we do? Instead of coming back to God, we give into depression and anxiety which leads to us making more bad decisions.  Why don’t we simply come back to God? Because in our minds it’s easier to stay where we are than get right with God.   I felt this way in my life.  The thought of dealing with all the issues I had caused was quickly replaced with “I’m good where I am.”

I acted just like Jonah. I went to the bottom of the boat and laid down.  I purposely ignored all the issues going on and went to sleep.   How many of you are in the midst of a storm right now but have “fallen into a deep sleep” just as Jonah did.   

It’s time to wake up! Do you truly believe if you just “sleep” that God is going to stop calling you? 

Jonah’s actions, much like David’s, Samson’s, and others, were affecting those around him.  
Jonah 1:5 states, “Then the mariners were afraid; and every man cried out to his god, and threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea, to lighten the load. But Jonah had gone down into the lowest parts of the ship, had lain down, and was fast asleep.”

While I was “sleeping” and while you are “sleeping” others around us are suffering.  Our actions are causing the boat to be rock back and forth. This isn’t fair to them and it’s not what God wants for our lives.  Stop for a minute can consider “What is the impact you are having on those around you?”

Remember, one day we will all stand before God and give an account for our actions – “Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess.”

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