By Ann Farabee

Stop Running!

There have been a lot of messages preached about Jonah! There have been a lot of lessons taught about Jonah. Sometimes, we need both.

Can one seek God and run away from God at the same time?

The issue was that in order to get to God, Jonah had to stop running from God.

It sounds so simple, but yet, throughout my life, I have heard many people say they have been running from God for years.

 I know one thing – we can never outrun God because we are on God’s heart,  in God’s thoughts, and created by God – so we will not get too far away before He snatches us back.

Running from God?

Stop running.

We cannot walk away, slip away, or sneak away from God.

Stop trying.

It sure did not work for Jonah.

He did not pray for three days.

He had a bad attitude.

He was rebellious.

He was about to be swallowed by the whale!

Now, even for animal lovers, that sounds a bit tough.

After seeing a whale close up one time, I most certainly now feel a connection with what Jonah may have felt like at that point. Whales are HUGE!

Feel free to take out the word Jonah in the title and insert your own name!

That Jonah –

That Ann Farabee-

She tried but could never outrun God.

God loved and forgave her no matter what!

Jonah ran the opposite direction from God .

Ann ran the opposite direction from God.

God guided Jonah anyway.

God guided Ann anyway.

Jonah was supposed to serve God by preaching to the people of Nineveh – but he was  indifferent and angry about it.

Ann was supposed to serve God in ways that God showed her – but  she was indifferent and  busy doing other things.

Even though Jonah stopped his mission, God showed him great love, patience, and forgiveness.

Even though Ann seemed indifferent to her mission, God shows her love, patience, and forgiveness.

God removes our shame.

God covers us with grace.

Picture that for a second –

God Himself removing our shame –

SHAME REMOVED!

God Himself covering us with grace –

COVERED WITH GRACE!

Ready? Let’s practice!

Declare these words –

SHAME REMOVED!  (Cast that shame away!)

COVERED WITH GRACE! (Close your eyes. Envision God covering you with grace!)

A little louder:

SHAME REMOVED!

COVERED WITH GRACE!

Got it?

We sure do.