Reluctant
READ: First 3 chapters of Jonah
"I'd like to go, but I'm a little hesitant..." "I would help, but I'm reluctant to commit..." "I should do it, but I really don't feel like it..." These are typical phrases in everyone's vocabulary. There's always someone to help, someplace to go, something you know you should do, but all too often it's too inconvenient, too unappealing, to boring, too challenging, too taxing. You should do your homework, but it's not as fun as watching TV. You should go to teen Bible class, but the leader is kind of weird. You'd like to help the local food shelf package meals for the poor, but it takes a lot of your time.
When God calls to you, are you reluctant? When God gives you opportunity to serve, do you hesitate? Jonah is a pretty familiar person in the Bible, usually known for having spent three days and nights in the belly of a fish. But there's a lot more about Jonah than just his crazy three day stindt in a fish. God called Jonah to go to the utterly sinful city of Ninevah and "preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me."
And how did Job respond? "But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish." As we continue reading, we see the result of this action. Things didn't go so well for Jonah. Asked ahead of time, Jonah probably would not have asked to be tossed about in a fearsome, life-threatening storm, or to be thrown overboard to drown, or to be swallowed by a fish.
But God is love. He forgave Jonah's reluctance and used this series of tumultuous events to bring Jonah to repentance and eventually to his work in Ninevah. Jonah finally did as the Lord said.
Is God calling you to do something? Maybe to don't physically hear the voice of God, but he calls to you as He has events and people cross your life's path. Do you answer, or do you make excuses? Do you follow His lead, or do you hesitate? God patiently dealt with Jonah, and when Jonah finally answered God's call, an entire city was brought to repentance. What's the benefit of answering God's call? You can be sure he will bless your effort, to his glory!
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: Why do we hesitate to follow God's will? Have you ever been unsure if God is calling you to do something specific? What promises comfort you in times of uncertainty?
THINGS TO PRAY ABOUT: Ask God to help you to recognize when he is calling you. Ask Him to grant you faith, boldness, and willingness to answer the call. Pray that God bless your every effort to serve Him, according to His will.