The Call We Don’t Want To Answer

Where—or what—is your Nineveh?
Where is God calling you?
Are you deliberately saying no?
Is your allegiance tied to something—or someone—else?

Jonah was a true believer. Up to the moment God called him to go to Nineveh, he had followed faithfully—in his life, his work, and his actions. But this? This was too much.

Jonah was deeply loyal to his country. He was willing to do and say whatever God asked…as long as it aligned with his own thinking.

But God said, Go to Nineveh.

In Jonah’s mind, there were already others—like Amos and Hosea—doing God’s work. Why send him somewhere so far outside his comfort zone? Surely someone else could go.

And we know how the rest of Jonah’s story unfolds…But what about our story?

What is God asking of us that we’re resisting? Where are we saying, “Lord, surely someone else would be better for this”?

Here’s the truth: God will accomplish His purposes. The question is—will we be part of it?

Will we miss the blessing of obedience because the calling feels too big, too uncomfortable, or too far outside our plans?

Look at Proverbs 3:5–6. When we trust in the Lord and honor Him in all our ways, He directs our paths. He never calls us to something beyond His ability to sustain—but He does call us to know Him, trust Him, and follow through.

Abba, Father, Creator of all this is, was, and is to come, give me an all-consuming desire to know Your Word so well that in every situation I recognize the path You’ve set before me. Lord, give me the courage to walk the path You’ve laid before me, even when it feels uncomfortable, unfamiliar, or too great for me. Help me to trust You fully, to lay aside my own plans. Give me the courage to say YESno matter where my Ninevah is. Hear my prayer in Jesus’ holy name.

This blog was first published on 9,21,2011 as Ninevah or Bust.

Small Stuff

Years ago, a book called Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff was recommended to me. I immediately didn’t like the title. First, I’m a personality that believes everything matters. Secondly, the One and Only God does not ignore the ‘small staff’.

God’s story is full of the ‘small stuff’. God used the cry of a baby to start the process of freeing the Israelites from Egypt (Exodus 2:1-10). David was just a little boy when he put the small stone in the sling and killed Goliath (1 Samuel 17). One boy’s lunch of 5 loaves and 2 fish fed 5000 men plus their families with 12 baskets left over (John 6). A rope kept the spies sent by Joshua into Jerico from being captured; consequently, that rope kept Rahab and her family safe from the invading Israelite army (Joshua 2 and 6:22-26). Paul was let down in a basket (Acts 9:23-25).

Never consider the small things worthless. God is exalted in both the small and the big stuff. He was able to create the universe with a word. 10 Commandments govern all His people. A tiny mustard seed becomes a ‘tree’ that can grow to 20 ft.

God cares about every small and large part of our lives. We need only trust Him!

Making Sense

God has a plan!

I’m sure that most of you are thinking along the lines of ‘this doesn’t make sense’ and ‘what is going on’. We might ask God why are You letting this happen? Sometimes the answer isn’t for us to know. Perhaps we’re not ready for it yet.

God is fully aware and in complete control. (Psalm 46:5-7)

He is as much with us as He was with Daniel in the lion’s den. (Daniel 6)

He is as much with us as He was with Jesus in the garden. (Luke 22:39-44)

He cares! Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7

Abba, Father, we’re giving our thoughts, confusion, worries, and cares to You. You have given us everything we need to fight that which is taking our peace. We believe You are in complete control. Help us trust and rest in You!

Valued by God

Are you aware of your value?

You are valuable because of who you are. God chose you as His child before anything else was created. (Ephesians 1:4)

You are valuable because of the great cost of your life. He gave His only Son for you. (Ephesians 1:4-6)

You are valuable because He knows what you can become. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Abba, Father, thank You for placing such great value in us. Help us grow and become what You have planned.

This Day

God made this day especially for you!

Is today the day you have been called to…

Speak up – Proverbs 31:8-9

Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly – Micah 6:8

Live a holy life – 2 Timothy 1:10

Use your gift – 1 Peter 4:10-11

Go and tell – Mark 16:15

Whatever He has made for you to do today

JUST DO IT!

Abba, Father, thank You for making this day and setting it aside for each of us to do the work You have planned. Give us the joy and gladness that is in living for You.

All scripture highlights are from the New International Version and directly linked to Bible Gateway.