"You Can't Run, You Can't Hide"

Jonah 1

We must know the voice of God. His voice maybe settled and you must be calm to hear him. Jonah, the son of Amittai, was a prophet of God who did he listen to his voice. He was given a command, not a choice, to take a message to the people of Nineveh. Instead, he decided to disregard the command and took a ship to Tarshish, traveling opposite of Nineveh. He was not going to his assignment as God commanded. No matter what you choose to do, You Can't Run, You Can't Hide from God.

Our blessings do not come on the front all the time. Sometimes they come on the rear end. We must praise God in all times, which includes when things don't quite make sense to us. The people of Nineveh were wicked and Jonah did not want to have anything to do with them. Yet God wanted to send his prophet to warn them of their impending death judgment. Instead of obeying the command, Jonah makes himself comfortable down in the ship, thinking that he had escape God.

God caused a great wind and storm. In fear of their lives, the mariners threw things off the ship and called on their gods, They wanted to get rid of whatever was threatening to take their lives. When they cast lots, it fell upon Jonah. Jonah told them to cast him in the sea. The storm stopped and the men feared the Lord and offered a sacrifice.

God had already made a way of protection for his prophet who did not listen to the command. Jonah was swallowed by a fish. It was there that he realized that he can't run or hide from God. It was there that he recalled what he was commanded to do. It was there that he realized that he did not listen to God.

It is not up to us to ignore what God tells us do. In times of not understanding certain matters is the time to seek him more. He knows how we feel about all things. He knows what we love and dislike. He knows our strengths and our weaknesses.

In Jonah's affliction, he cried unto the Lord. He confessed his sins and cried for his mercies. God granted him another chance to go to Nineveh. God has a way of saving people. Jonah learned the saving grace of God is greater than the wickedness of the people. It was as if the whole city was shut down to fast and to turn their attention to God. The people of Nineveh were very responsive to the words of Jonah.

This entire message of listening for God's voice from Elder Roane from Blazing Star Pentecostal Church & Ministries is on our Youtube channel "You Can't Run, You Can't Hide". Click subscribe to get more of our messages about salvation in Jesus Christ. You may contact us at 1pathtojesus@gmail.com.

May God bless you and your families in his spirit, health, and wealth.