Text: Jonah 1:4-10
So Jonah fled from the presence of the Lord.
And God pursued him like only the Creator and Lord of the sea could: with a furious ocean tempest! This narrative of this story just begs for the big screen. I mean, picture Jonah sleeping in a tiny boat, the sky grey and heavy with the strength of the Lord Almighty. And God is fierce and awesome in His pursuit.
God is also loving in his pursuit. He could’ve crushed Jonah under a tremendous sea surge and found another man. Jonah was such a stinker, right? God gave him a clear instruction, something we all (kind of) long for, and he ran like a little girl in the other direction.
But God fiercely and lovingly pursues Jonah; consider what happens in this passage.
He rouses up the wind and the sea to get Jonah’s attention. He moves the sailors to call out to their gods for help, and then incites the sailors to ferret out Jonah’s secret. And finally, God shows His will in the casting of lots.
God wanted Jonah. Goodness, isn’t that amazing? I sometimes feel like I’m a sub-standard version of the person who should actually be living my life. And the truth is, I do fall short. Probably there is someone who would be a better mother to my kids, wife to my husband, friend to my friends. But despite my imperfections and failings, I am the best mother for my children, wife to my husband, and I am the best friend to my friends! Because God gives specific callings to specific people. That means God wants me for my particular calling and life.
And we can’t escape God and His storm gale of purpose.
“Where could I run away from your presence…?
If I… lived far across the sea,
even there your hand would… take hold of me.”
Psalm 139:7-10
Guest writer Rebecca Faires teaches German and theatre, raises four sweet children, and kisses her husband. Hallelujah.
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66 thoughts on "a fierce and awesome pursuit"
I am struck by the fact that Jonah finds rest in the midst of the running … In the midst if this spiritual angst…. In the midst of pursuit. God gives us silence and rest and new mercies even on our fleeing.
This verse was referenced when reading Jonah 1- Psalm 107:23-32.
23 Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters;
24 they saw the deeds of the LORD, his wondrous works in the deep.
25 For he commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea.
26 They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their evil plight;
27 they reeled and staggered like drunken men and were at their wits' end.
28 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
29 He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.
30 Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven.
31 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!
32 Let them extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
I so needed to hear this….. Sometimes you go to work and you feel like you didn't get anything accomplished, we'll – that was my day: wild, very busy, head spinning, trying to do three things at the same time…….. Thank -you God for making me for the place of work I am at now thank – you for pursuing me when I 'get lost', and thank – you God for making those tasks I did today for me……
Beautifully worded. Thank you, Rebecca!
Wow. This is so beautiful. I needed it. What really sticks out to me– even though it's a little further ahead in reading– is that Jonah's rebellion eventually brings the men on the boat to praise and revere God (vs 16). Even in our own rebellion, even in our failings and mistakes, God works it all for His glory. Not that He wants us to mess up, and I'm hesitant to say that He willed us to mess up, because that's not quite right… but it's all within His will– He's sovereign over it, he redeems all of it. It's amazing. SO comforting. I love you, Lord.
This is a random cover of a song that totally reminds me of Jonah: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWubcEcrpBo
I’ve been running so this is ever so timely as I am still resisting the temptation to run. I’m being blessed by this. I would request we refrain from such stereotypes as “run like a girl”. I got stuck there for a more than a moment.
I think this part of Jonah's story also reminds us that our disobedience isn't just about us. It affects those around us as well.
"Probably there is someone who would be a better mother to my kids, wife to my husband, friend to my friends. But despite my imperfections and failings, I am the best mother for my children, wife to my husband, and I am the best friend to my friends! Because God gives specific callings to specific people. That means God wants me for my particular calling and life."
Just what I needed to hear. All too often, I get overwhelmed and consumed with thoughts that I am an inadequate wife and that my husband deserves better. This was really encouraging to read and liberating, too.
I so longingly waited 4 2day’s Post;bt it neva came..had 2 log on 2 SRT jst 2 b a part of it;shws hw desperate I ws 2 hear dis sweet words from each of u;Several tyms I’ve tried running bt God stl got a hold of me evn in my deepest mess;Yes Specific calling dts wht I got frm God wen I gv ma life 2 Christ;he gv me d wonderful gift of prophecy;am 24yrs;n most tym I ask myself who am I dt God shld giv me dis awesome duty 2 edify his people n I knw countless tyms I’ve ran;I’ve shunned him cos I feel its a great task..I cnt do dis;am 2 young…2day I’ve realised he Choose me 4 dis purpose..am elated.mks me think of jeremiah1-5 ‘b4 I formed u in d womb I knew u;n b4 u were born I sanctified u;I ordained u a prophet to al nations”..#God knew me#…
To all mothers ere;if u kip praying n standing in d Gap 4 ur daughters God wl surely see dem tru n reachout 2 dem one day evn if dey are lost;am a living testimony;cos mama had alwz bn dere;guidance;protection;prayers so mch mre;she jst lik d provb 31woman;who stands 4 her family;I’ve had issues wit her;bt wen I saw awesomeness of God I realized all dt my mama wanted 4 me;(immense luv wit Christ)..so b strong n b of good courage 4 God’s wit u’;u n ur family are of d lord..’
So 2day readn abt Jonah;I’ve reflected greatly on ma life n I’ve realized God won’t stop until he gets u @ dt point he wants u 2 b;n he wl use u 2 affect d life of dose arnd u…I believe In d luv of Christ 4 me;Amen…
Nothing or noone can escape God's presence. He is all present and all things are naked in His sight.
I just realized something. Jonah is hard-headed! In verse two, The Lord commands Jonah to "get up and go." The captain in verse six shouts to Jonah, "get up and pray!" Let's just say, it seems like Jonah is always off in lala land doing something else instead of paying attention to what's happening around him. Hmmm, sounds like somebody I know… Me!
Our calling is not to be this perfect Christian but rather to just be who we are in Christ…. This just dawned upon me. Often times when I read the stories of the prophets in the Old Testament I begin to think that "my" calling will be this great thing that God has clearly called me to do. I found my self with the mentality that I am just gonna sit around and wait for Gods calling for my life but in doing that I think I was missing all along that God needs me to be me. The story of Jonah is opening my eyes to this. He made me exactly the way I am, he knows me through and through. And he plans to use me just the way I am whether I like it or not. Help me sisters, am I getting the idea?
Amen, Nafisara. We are not a sub-standard or an above-standard version of ourselves. We are EXACTLY what He created us to be. We need to be joyful in how He created us and be obedient to His calling. I think you 'GOT THE IDEA' perfectly.
Runs like a girl?
Thanks for posting this, Kim. That line jumped out at me too, in a negative way.
Being a woman, or a young woman, or a girl, should not be used as an insult. And I found it jarring to find that oh-so-common, oh-too-common phrase "runs like a girl" here.
This reminds me of the beggar who tried to get into the waters to be healed when they stirred. God moves in the tempest …we should look for him in the storms. And be healed.
I loved how Jonah was sleeping while the rest of the crew was screaming. He probably thought that he was free and clear on his way to Tarshish never to hear about going to Nineveh again! How delusional we are to think there is something that we can actually do to make God forget about us. Like our actions will stop His hot pursuit. Stalkers, police detectives, and private investigators can learn a thing or two from our God. lol
Can you imagine what the sailors thought when they found out that Jonah was running from The God? I'm almost positive that they heard stories and tales of how God's people defeated those who opposed them in battle or even the miracles God performed in Egypt. Those stories travel and increased the sailors fear of God's wrath. They recognized the Awesomeness of God but good 'ol Jonah was sleeping on Him. There were probably tons of other people who would have went where God told them to immediately but God wanted Jonah. If we feel inadequate, He makes us have enough. Insecure, He reaffirms our ability. Sub-standard (as I've been feeling lately also), He justifies us and lets us know that we were tailor-made for the position. There is no emotion too great for God, and no mind trick from the enemy to complicated for Him too work out. This post swept right at my front door this morning.
Thank you. You put words to what I could not express myself. That "sub-standard version" that I feel I am living as in my life, that is exactly how I feel sometimes. It was refreshing and encouraging to be reminded that essentially, God doesn't make mistakes. He has placed me where I am, given me the life I have for a purpose…for such a time as this.
I agree, I can see this scene play out like it was in a movie. But let's go back to the statement made in the reading, "God gave him a clear instruction, something we all (kind of) long for, and he ran like a little girl in the other direction." That was funny at first glance. At a closer look, it was so true though. We always feel as though we would be up for a task like that. At the very least just to be given clear instructions as Jonah was given. But I cannot say without a doubt that my reaction would have been different from Jonah's. Oh I how I pray it would've. And I pray that I stand ready to say, "Here am I" when that next call to duty is given.
What a timely and perfect post this morning.
The other night I was feeling down on myself, and I did in fact feel like a "sub-standard version of the person who should actually be living my life." This devotion today showed me how big of a lie that truly is though! Praise God for opening my eyes to the importance he places on each one of us. He wants us to be exactly where he put us, even if we give him trouble and don't want to listen to him.
God also showed me this morning that since he felt this way about Jonah, and I understand he feels this way about me, then he also feels this way about every person in my life!! Wow. Even though I have been told this time and time again, today it really struck me. Each person is placed in my life for a reason, and each person has their own unique purpose on this earth. Today I am praying for God help me show each person I see today love. Live out love!
What a great perspective – to expand this mindset that God has purposely placed not only ME … but EVERYONE ELSE in my life as well! Talk about a hard-hitting message! Yesterday during our repentance part of the devotional where we asked ourselves questions, I realized that I have a really difficult time showing God's grace, mercy, loving-kindness to others around me who make ME feel uncomfortable. So your thought on expanding our perspective of God's perfect timing and placement of ALL PEOPLE really hits me today. Thank you so much for your insight!
Oh these are mighty comforting words, and just take a moment to insert your own name — reread it.
"But God fiercely and lovingly pursues Valarie."
Did you get the WOW factor? God is so good…
Loved this post! These are some of the same thoughts I struggle with so this post really spoke to me. Thank you!
Just as I want to run and am trying to run and am feeling sub-par and in the wrong place….. This happens. This post.
Where could I run from Your Presence…..
There are days I think I can. Days I think I have.
Even though I am running, think I can run from Him
I can't escape God and His storm gale of purpose.
I seriously needed to hear that today…. Thank you Rebecca.
Amen Shelly. Amen. It's so comforting to know that so many of us feel inadequate and misplaced. God is here, and He has purposed us to be here. All together. Praise God.
I will be still and know You are God! Who else would I want to be in control of the storms of my life?! I surrender, Lord, I surrender. You alone know what is best for me.
When the oceans rise and thunders roar,
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still and know You are God http://youtu.be/z3wwWFsSlNQ
Wow…what a word on today! This truly blessed my soul! Thank you!
All this talk about storms and tempests, I wanted to bless y'all with this amazing song, My Lighthouse by Rend Collective! http://youtu.be/JPtIv2lnkTY
We don't need to run or fear in times of storms because we have a mighty Lighthouse leading us through it and He offers us peace to calm the seas. All we need to do is LET HIM.
So you have a choice. Do you wrestle the storm and wear yourself out or do you give in to His purpose and let the waves guide you? :)
Loved that song. Thanks for sharing.
Wow very nice song Courtney loved it Thank you for sharing.
I love Rend Collective songs – my friend at work turned me on to their music kind of has an Irish feel….. Love that song sooo beautiful!!!! And so what I needed to hear tonight…….
So thankful for a God who relentlessly pursues me! Praying for a humble and obedient heart that willingly obeys Him the first time he asks me to do something.
Wow, I’m so in awe of God right now. So many times have I been Jonah, running from the call… even just blatantly ignoring the call so that I can continue life as I have so comfortably planned it. But thank God that he never gives up on us, He doesn’t change his mind about my purpose or the call… Even after my mistakes and continued disobedience, His grace and mercy is present and available to me. I still have a purpose,the same that was placed in me before the foundations of the earth… I am still useable.
The point that struck me in this is how our actions affect those around us. The loss of cargo, not to mention that any one of those sailors could have lost his life as a result of that storm. What a metaphor for the damage that Jonah's running away could have caused.
When I read the book on the first day, I saw that Jonah impacted 120,000 people in the town of Nineveh. But I missed this… what impact he would have had on the towns that the sailors were from. Their families – their friends. Thanks for sharing that – it reminds me how important total obedience is. How many people suffered because of my lack of obedience? How many souls were injured in the hiding of this Message? All because I desired comfortable & convenient obedience. Thanks for sharing this…thanks for revealing what I looked over.
“God pursues those whom he loves, those whom he has a purpose for. He may let them stray for a while, but will always be there waiting for the moment they turn around. Waiting for the moment they realize He has been there all along. Then the detour will be forgiven, the lessons learned celebrated, and the path reset towards destiny. For who’s to say that detour was not necessary to prepare for your purpose?”
I'd never really thought of it that way – that God could have given up on Jonah and found someone else, but instead chose to pursue Him. How beautiful! We serve an amazing God.
Lately it seems like God leads me into a storm only to toss me around, shake me up, and spit me back out in a slightly different location. Sort of like a kite that gets stuck in a tornado.; there's no way that kite is going back to the same spot of ground where it started! But praise be to God. He hurls tempests at us, but He also calms them:
{Mark 4:35-41} On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
And in all of it, He is there. He is in perfect control. He has a plan!
Thank you, SRT, for your daily encouragement!!!
"Sort of like a kite that gets stuck in a tornado.; there's no way that kite is going back to the same spot of ground where it started! But praise be to God. He hurls tempests at us, but He also calms them"
You just described what God has done in my life. I am not where I started (and there is no going back) – the tempest has calmed – and for the first time in a long time, I KNOW that I am EXACTLY where I am supposed to be (for the moment). I also know peace in this new land.
Your scripture spoke to me in a way it never has before. 3 simple words from the Lord "Peace! Be still!" He didn't ask for peace – He commanded Peace – He didn't ask the waters to be still – He commanded the waters to be still. He spoke and it was. He tells us we can do even greater things, so I say to your storm Sarah, Peace! Be still! And may you know peace in the midst of your landing. That windows open for sight and doors for entrance. God bless you sister, and thank you so much for sharing with us today. Your words were truly a blessing.
We too can see here how he can use others to bring us back to God, even non believers. Jonah was still running from God in the midst of the storm he hid under the blanket and fell asleep. Have I ever done that, shut the door, stayed in bed and avoided the storms around me. Ignore the duty and it will go away, right? Thank you for those people in my life who pulled me out of bed.
I love (and probably sometimes also hate) that God will do whatever is necessary to get our attention. It's so encouraging to know that I'm so uniquely designed for God's purpose in my life, just as Jonah was for his, that he will use anything and anyone he must to bring me back around when I go off course.
Amen! Jessica you are so right that he will do anything to get our attention and wake us up.
Jeremiah 23:24 No one can hide where I cannot see him. Do you not know that I am everywhere in heaven and on earth? I love this, God is everywhere, we cannot hide, Adam & Eve couldn't hide, Cain could not hide, God is always there.
Did anyone else pick up on the sailors response to Jonah? They didn't even know his "God" yet they were terrified of Him and told Jonah he was wrong for running. God used this situation to reveal His Power to those who did not believe. They were in fear of the Lord, yet Jonah (the believer here) was not. It is amazing how God can take our disobedience to his purpose, yet still fulfill it without it. He doesn't NEED us to fulfill that purpose, but he WANTS to be a part of it.
Great post today. Have a blessed day!
I was thinking about this, too, Shelia! How Jonah had apparently told them he was running from the presence of his "god," and they apparently said, "Well, ok, then come aboard!" But when they found out he was a Hebrew and served THE GOD of creation, they were terrified. How was it they could recognize God's fearsomeness, but Jonah was able to sleep in the midst of it? And oh, so true, that God doesn't NEED us to fulfill His purpose! He is a Master Weaver who weaves even the flaws of willful sinfulness into a beautiful work of art to fulfill His purposes for His glory, and we are graciously given the opportunity to be part of the fabric. Humbling and wonderful!
I thought the same thing. As a matter of fact I wrote about it in my blog. I love how God shows us these things in His word. How the words jump of the page and into our hearts. I believe God planned this so the sailors would see and believe and turn from their gods. He used Jonah in a mighty way. May He use us even in our disobedience.
Thank you for sharing!!
Good morning. Thank you for this post. I have been struggling, especially this week. Our daughter (26) moved out last weekend. She bought her first home. I am feeling the terrible pangs of empty nest and have been reminiscing questioning myself on whether I was the best mom I could have been. And that brings in many other questions that the Liar wants me to think and believe. But thank God, He is pursuing me with a fierce and awesome pursuit. Thank God! I will not believe the lies and will lay in my Father's arms of comfort through this storm. I will not run. Just wait.
Thank you Rebecca.
~Be blessed and a blessing.
I hurt reading your post. I am 24 and this past summer I left my mommy's house in New Jersey and moved to Georgia. I am getting married in a few weeks, and getting to be near to my fiancé during our engagement has been an incredible blessing, and I know my mom is happy to see me so happy. But I wish I could make it easier for her.
I am praying for you today the same way I pray for my mommy.
Just know that if you love God and have followed Him in raising her and taught her to love Him, or at least lived as an example for her, you have prepared her for every tempest she may face. <3 God bless you and bring you closer in new ways through this time!!
Thank you, Courtney. Your words were a comfort to me. I am so proud of my daughter and so happy for her. I pray you and your mom are adjusting and that your marriage is blessed. xoxo
Wow. God loves us and pursues us for the tasks we are positive we are messing up – but He knows we are the right one for – because He made those tasks for us – and us for those tasks. So needed this reminder.
Me too…..
Me too…..
“Where could I run away from your presence…?
If I… lived far across the sea,
even there your hand would… take hold of me.”
Psalm 139:7-10
It's impossible to run or hide from God. He is all seeing, all knowing and yet we try. Sometimes I feel like a disobedient child trying to hide when the parent is fully aware.
Jonah tried hiding, and not only was he found. God put him back right on track to fulfill his purpose. We are blessed to have the same God with the same GRACE and MERCY. What an awesome God.
Have a great day ladies.
…And God pursued him like only the Creator and Lord of the Sea could…
Pause for worship.
Yes! Agree! The first time I read this I felt the SAME way.
Thank you for the post. I'm going through a week of feeling very sub- standard. I see all of my short comings and where I've fallen. But it is so good to know, if God fiercely pursued Jonah in the middle of his disobedience, He will fiercely pursue me in spite of my junk. Thank God for His love and faithfulnes!
I was excited as soon as I read the title of this post, because as I've read Jonah 1-2 this week to share tomorrow, it is one of the things God had shown me! Psalm 139:7-10, also! I, too, often feel like "a sub-standard version of the person who should actually be living my life." I wonder how I'm going to handicap my kids when they get older in the way I sometimes interact with them now. It is very humbling to think God wants me for this task despite myself.
Amazing! Thank you for me as well when I have ran and tried to do things my way the Lord still had his hand on me. When I should have been cast away. He preserved ME (not sure if that is the proper terminology?) so I wait and listen for his direction and ready to obey. Yes sometimes I get flustered not knowing what to say when he puts someone in my path that I know he wants me to share his Love, but it's amazing how the words and scriptures just come out of you mouth! And I'm thinking wow did I just say that? Thank you Jesus… And you ladies have a Blessed day Wensday
Thank you for post Rebecca
I so love this statement……And the truth is, I do fall short. Probably there is someone who would be a better mother to my kids, wife to my husband, friend to my friends. But despite my imperfections and failings, I am the best mother for my children, wife to my husband, and I am the best friend to my friends! Because God gives specific callings to specific people. That means God wants me for my particular calling and life…….what truth…… and I sure did need to hear that today…….that.I am the best person, in the right place at this particular time, and no matter how far away from that situation I want to run……I have been chosen, by The Almighty God, for that purpose in that time……amazing…….I wish I had/have this understanding when facing these particular callings, sure would make/ have made life simpler, right? Where is the fun in that….huh? This tells me that whatever the situation, calling, TRUST in the Lord, have Faith( mustard seed size or other), and BELIEVE that God would not send you or assign you these callings if, He did not have your back, or believe you/I were worthy of it , to bring Him glory…
Proverbs 3:5 says….Trust in the Lord at all times, never rely on what you think you know…..Never let yourself think you are wiser than you are…..simply obey the Lord…
We can’t escape God and His storm gale of purpose……so in those immoral words of Nike….. let's JUST DO IT…..
Great post today, Rebecca Faires, thank you!
My Sisters, praying your day is blessed with amazingness that can only be from God…..bless you… x x
Sorry sister's, I'm sure you've realised my error……It should read The immortal words of Nike…..let's JUST DO IT… X
'This tells me that whatever the situation, calling, TRUST in the Lord, have Faith( mustard seed size or other), and BELIEVE that God would not send you or assign you these callings if, He did not have your back, or believe you/I were worthy of it , to bring Him glory…'
Thank you Tina – those are words I needed to hear this morning as God calls me back once again to an area I have been fearful and hesitant to be obedient in out of feelings of inadequacy.
Kari, bless you …..and thank you Lord for the words this morning, to have prompted Kari to act upon….Lord I pray that you are so in the situation, and that you take away that LIE of inadequacy…..that Kari believes, and in its place, Lord, I ask you to place the truth that ' We can do anything through Christ who strengthens us…..' God does have your back Kari. Believe it….and as to fear…..God does not pursue us to put fear into us, rather He pursues us to give us power, love and self discipline. He is our refuge and our stronghold…..always….Will pray for you Kari these next few days…x
Yes, Tina! "that I am the best person, in the right place at this particular time, and no matter how far away from that situation I want to run… I have been chosen, by the Almighty God, for that purpose in that time…" Completely what I had to hear today. I so often get frustrated with where I'm at (in a school I don't want to be at, with people I don't want to be around). But God has put me here, in this time, for a reason. Reminds me of a song: "Everything is where it's supposed to be. There is life in us" (Urchin by Fleazraft). So comforting.
AnnaLee, what an eye opener today huh? How many times have I felt….I have nothing in common with them, or wondered what I was doing in the place, or just felt I.m out of my depth here…..too many to count, but actually now, I will be listening out for the Lord., and His leading, not lean on what I think I know, or don't as the case may be……bless you Annalee, and thank you for your comment and encouragement…..x x x
Amen! As much as I try to run away from God and his plans sometimes, it is amazingly wonderful to know that I can never truly run away from him. Even better, that he will always be there for me when I come crawling back ashamed. Our God is an Awesome God!
“Where could I run away from your presence…?”
Just that was all I needed to read this morning.
God is here. He is with me. I cannot run. He is loving and he is faithful.
I am thankful
Beautiful. Couldn’t agree with this (…” I sometimes feel like I’m a sub-standard version of the person who should actually be living my life. “) more. Thanks for putting what is in my heart to words. So grateful for a God that is in such fierce pursuit of me.
Great post. His pursuit is more that we comprehend.