I started reading the book of Jonah today, and right from the start, I saw myself in his story. I’ve never been called to go to Nineveh, but there have been days when I’m called to make amends with someone I’ve hurt, or to go downstairs and apologize to Michael after we’ve had an argument. Whether I’m right or I’m wrong, I know that the best thing to do is to follow the Spirit which tells us to do all that we can to live in peace with each other.
The flesh is a difficult thing to combat some days as I wrestle with fear—the fear of being rejected, of being shut out, of feeling less than… But when I obey the Spirit in spite of my fear, the rewards outweigh the pain. It might take courage to follow God’s will, but with each step we take we strengthen our faith.
Each day comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities to follow God’s will, but even when the Spirit is willing the flesh has a mind of its own. It tends to resist, make excuses, or fill our minds with doubt and fear. It is during these moments that we need to remind ourselves how important it is to trust in the Lord, and how beneficial it is to follow His lead. There’s a still small voice within us that guides and inspires. The call to action is not a burden but a gift—a gift that leads us to a deeper understanding of God’s love and purpose for our lives.
And so, each day, as I face my own “Ninevehs,” I remind myself that it is not about being perfect, but about being obedient and faithful. I remind myself that my fears and insecurities do not define me, and that with God’s help, I can overcome them. I remind myself that as long as I am willing to take that first step, God will be there to guide me, to strengthen me, and to help me make the right choices.
With this in mind, let’s continue our journey with a steadfast dedication to personal growth. As we navigate the challenges and uncertainties in life, let’s place our faith in God’s guidance and our trust in His strength.
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Tilling the Soil
Read Jonah Chapter 1.
Planting Hope
We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience. (Colossians 1:9-11, NIV)