But over the past couple of months, I have begun to understand him just a little better, even in his foolishness. While any purpose assignment from God is both an honor and a blessing, as I move deeper into purpose, obedience, and full submission, I too am sometimes immobilized as I consider the daunting tasks that I am called to complete.
As everyone knows, Jonah is the unfortunate prophet of the Bible who was sent by God to render a prophetic word to an entire city. He not only chose not to do it, he chose to run toward another destination.
Operating as a prophet is, and probably always has been, a very challenging endeavor. While many of those you are sent to will embrace your words, others think it absurd that you claim to know something about them that they haven't shared with you or anyone else. They interrupt throughout the delivery to smile and say "that's confirmation," to suggest that you know nothing that they don't already know. Or they argue with you when it is a word of correction, later calling you back and thanking you for it. All that aside, the pressure can be even more challenging when the Word that you are charged with sharing is a prophecy of disaster in the face of disobedience, as Jonah's was!
Of course it is the ultimate honor when we are on assignment for God but still, sometimes there are fleeting moments when we look at ourselves in the mirror and get a little nervous. Even while people are constantly telling you the truth you spoke, you sometimes can still feel insecure. If I am honest, and I am most of the time, while I know that it is truly God speaking through me, there are a few moments when I am prideful enough to think I can honestly mess up God's plans. I have never met anyone who did not have their share of insecurities and moments of pridefulness in doing work for God; even if they had yet to realize and admit that they carried them.
Jonah must have had some of those thoughts as he chose to defiantly disobey God. He must have thought over and over again about what the people might say. Would they even listen to him? Would he be able to remember what God gave him correctly, or mess it all up? Sometimes in the small space between receiving the assignment and moving forward to execute it, there is the enemy of doubt and a failure to completely rely on God. Fortunately the more often you obey, the easier it gets.
Have no doubt though, surrender in service to God is no small feat. The walk in purpose is a heavy mantle. You strive to be that servant all day, all night, every day, every night. It becomes the very foundation of your life. How challenging it can be to not only experience your own hurts and pains, but to experience that of others as well.
The truth is, most of us are no better than Jonah. He chose to run and hide, we choose to postpone, reword, avoid, reason away and a host of other things that in the end, are the same as running away.
As the Spirit of the Lord once shared with me: You did not choose me. I chose you. So it is with all of us, and while it is indeed an honor to be chosen to do ANYTHING for God, there also is nothing in life that demands this level of discipline and obedience than spirit-led purpose. So, let's give Jonah a break!!!
Rev. Dr. Nina Thompson focuses on helping people, especially young adults understand who they are, why they exist and what they were meant to accomplish. She is a business owner, a minister and Public Relations practitioner, and a published author.
All four books can be purchased on Amazon.com at: https://www.amazon.com/Rev-Dr-Nina-M-Thompson/e/B07MVJ2THM/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1
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