Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. 3But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. Jonah 1:1-3
In Isaiah 55:11 God declared regarding His Word, “it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” How is it we think our plans supersede God’s? Jonah was foolish enough to think he could outrun God’s command to arise and cry against Nineveh. In all actuality, when we run from God it’s going to cost us dearly, and Jonah indeed “paid the fare thereof” and it was more than he was willing to pay…
- He paid the fare for the ship ride to Tarshish
- He paid in toiling on the stormy seas
- He paid for 3 days and nights in the belly of the giant fish
Ironically, like Jonah we utilize more energy running from God than we would simply performing the actual assignment God tasked us with!
The shipmaster rightfully called Jonah “O Sleeper.” Jonah needed to be awakened from his self-centeredness and pride to complete His God-given mission as do we. Awake thou that sleepest,” because Jesus called us to “preach the gospel to every living creature”…if not, the fare may be more than we’re willing to pay!
There are no free rides when you’re running from God!
“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. A one minute spiritual pick-me-up for busy Christians! Visit this POST for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. Rodger Mangold
Serminutes - Sermon in a Minute 
Very inspiring word,I have been encouraged and challenged.every time we run from the will of God,we must pay dearly for it.may God forgive me where I have done so.i cannot afford that cost.lord help me.
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