Title: The Futility of Running Away from God.

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"But 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 1:3 KJV.

Reflection: When God called Jonah to go to Nineveh and proclaim His message, Jonah chose instead to flee in the opposite direction. We read this in the verse above. Jonah thought he could escape God’s command by changing his location, but he soon discovered that no distance could separate him from the reach of the Almighty.  
  The psalmist echoes this truth: “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there” (Psalm 139:7–8). Jonah’s attempt to run away was not only futile but also dangerous, for it brought a storm upon himself and those around him. Running from God always leads to turmoil, because disobedience disrupts the peace that comes from walking in His will.  
  Yet even in Jonah’s rebellion, God’s mercy was evident. The great fish that swallowed Jonah was not punishment alone but preservation. In the belly of the fish, Jonah prayed: “I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the Lord, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice” (Jonah 2:2). God pursued Jonah not to destroy him, but to restore him to obedience and purpose.  
  This story reminds us that fleeing from God’s call is futile. We may run, but we cannot hide. His love is relentless, His presence inescapable, and His purposes unshakable. Like Jonah, we may resist, but God’s will remains firm. The wisest response is surrender, for in yielding we find peace, purpose, and life.  
  Let us therefore heed the words of Proverbs 19:21: “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.” Running away only delays the inevitable, but obedience brings blessing.  

Let's have your views here. Please share this with your contacts.©Dr Joel Olanrewaju, gbemide09@gmail.com

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