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Jonah – Chapter 1
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Our chapter this week opens with Jonah running away from God, or at least trying to. God instructed him to go to Nineveh, but instead of listening to God, he followed the flesh. I’m sure a big part of that resistance was fear, as Nineveh was known for its ruthlessness at the time, but what we find out later in our story is that it had a lot to do with pride and prejudice.
In any case, there’s a lesson to be gleaned from this chapter: the further we are from God, the further we are from genuine peace. Seeking peace apart from Him is like chasing the wind; you might feel it for a moment, but it’s never truly grasped.
As I got to thinking about that today, I was reminded of the old hymn, “Let the Lord Have His Way,”
Let the Lord have His way
In your life every day,
There’s no rest, there’s no peace
Until the Lord has His way.
Place your life in His hands,
Rest secure in His plan;
Let the Lord, let the Lord
Have His way.
The hymn beautifully encapsulates our need to surrender to God’s will in order to experience true peace and rest in our lives. Though Jonah chose to run—just the opposite of surrendering—he mirrors the struggles we all face when trying to align our will with God’s. Do I walk in obedience to God’s will, or do I choose the comfortable path—the one that feels right to me?
It’s easy to say that we’d choose God’s will, but what happens when the stakes are high? Would we still choose it if our safety, finances, or pride were at risk? It’s in these defining moments that the depth of our faith is revealed. Our choice to follow Him, despite the risks, is a testament to our commitment to His purpose for our lives.
How do we get to that place of complete surrender and trust? By getting to know the One Who is leading the way.
This Week’s Challenge
This week, let’s focus on taking a step back whenever we find ourselves at a crossroads, big or small. Before making a decision, ask yourself, “Is this aligned with God’s will for me, or am I letting fear, pride, or my own desires guide me?” Then take a moment to pray for wisdom and courage to make the choice that honors God.
This Week’s Bible Verse
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Week at a Glance
TUESDAY:
Watch this week’s video at Time-Warp Wife.
Print off this week’s Bible verse at Time-Warp Wife.
Read Jonah Chapter 1.
Check in on the community at: facebook.com/groups/biblestudies. While you are there, maybe you could drop in a friendly message wishing others a blessed week, or share a prayer for the week ahead.
WEDNESDAY:
Read Chapter 1 in your study guide.
Begin to work on the questions in your study guide.
Share your reflections in the Facebook group.
Respond to at least one other person’s post in the group to encourage others.
THURSDAY:
Catch up on the questions in your study guide.
If you are finished that, and you would like to study this chapter deeper, take a look at the study sheet I have created for you. Feel free to answer any or all of the questions. Click here to view and print it.
FRIDAY:
Visit Time-Warp Wife to read Darlene’s closing thoughts on the chapter.
Reflect on Darlene’s insights and how they align with or enhance your understanding of the week’s study.
Share your own closing thoughts or responses to Darlene’s reflections in the Facebook group.
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