In today’s devotional, Dr. Michael Youssef explores Jonah’s response to God’s call to witness to the Ninevites.
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[00:00:00] You are listening to MY Devotional, the Daily Devotional from Dr. Michael Youssef and Leading The Way. Submit to Gods Vision by Dr. Michael Youssef. Jonas called a witness to the Ninevites was no easy task. These were not peaceful, easy-going pagans.
[00:00:19] This large city was the capital of the ancient Assyrian Empire and people known for their violence and cruelty. Jonah quickly forgot about the sovereignty and providence of God and caveed into his own panic and fears,
[00:00:33] so he fled as far away from God as he could in the opposite direction of God's calling, securing passage to Tarshes. Ninevote was in modern day Iraq. Tarshes was in modern day Spain. But Jonas problem was not geographical. It was spiritual. Tarshes was the place of Jonas choosing,
[00:00:55] not God's choosing. For us it represents the place where we think we can minister and serve where we want to be. It's the place where we say, God, one place is as good as another. This is where the action is where I want to serve God,
[00:01:10] as though we know better than the all-knowing, all-wise, sovereign king. Tarshes is that place in your life where you settle for what you want, where it's comfortable, cozy, and warm. It's a place where you've not been challenged. It's a place where you are not risking anything for God.
[00:01:29] Tarshes looks easy, attractive and inviting. And so Jonah fled from God's call in his life and it was no accident. It was calculated. Jonah found a ship he looked for an orchestrated plan B. But with God there is no plan B, there is only plan A.
[00:01:47] We must not run from the will of God and rationalize our change of course when we're called to trust God, enter the fray and serve in a difficult situation. An easy life is not God's promise to us. He promises an abundant life. He promises us his very presence.
[00:02:05] I often hear people say, God wants me to be happy. But Christian, God wants you to be holy.
[00:02:14] Has God given you a vision that you don't like or that you're running from right now? Are you on your way to Nineveh or have you boarded the ship for Tarshes?
[00:02:24] Remember, for the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord. Join with me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God. Let's pray together.
[00:02:44] Lord, thank you for your vision for our lives. Grant us the Spirit of obedience. Protect us from ignoring your voice out of fear or embarrassment or even the sting.
[00:02:54] Grant us willing spirits to fully submit to your vision for our lives. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
[00:03:04] If you enjoy this daily devotional podcast, Dr. Yusuf invites you to help share this life-changing truth with others. This June you can double your impact through our June gift challenge. Visit LTW.org and give to partner with us today to see lives transformed in Christ.
[00:03:23] If today's devotional encouraged you, we'd love to hear about it. Leave a review and share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it. My devotional is a ministry of leading the way with Dr. Michael Yusuf. To learn more, visit LTW.org today.