God Already Told Me What to Do

Then I said, "I have been cast out of Your sight; Yet I will look again

toward Your holy temple." Jonah 2:4 (NKJV)

I have recently enrolled in a bible class that focuses on studying the bible accurately and relying on the scripture to show us the truth so that we can develop our own interpretation and apply that truth to our life. It has been challenging to study in the formal classroom environment again. It has been even more challenging to unlearn the habits that I have developed along the way. In this class, we have been instructed to utilize the Bible as our main source. We are permitted to use some specific reference books and guides; however, these books do not include devotionals. This reinforces dependence on the Word of God to help us develop our interpretation based on the truth that is revealed to us as we read the scripture over and over. Sometimes, there is a tendency when using devotionals to rely on the author’s interpretation as the truth without getting into the word itself to see what God says. This is not to say that using devotionals is bad. It is to remind us that the devotional should not be our only source to connect with God. Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) says, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” God’s word is living, and it is Him speaking to us in the scripture. Why wouldn’t we as His children want to hear from Him and not just one of His representatives?

We are currently doing chapter studies. The book that our instructor has chosen is Jonah. As we began our study, I noticed how our revelations developed over time. As we dive deeper into God’s word and commit even more to our relationship with Him, He reveals more of Himself to us, and we begin to see His character more clearly. His Word has not changed nor has His message. When we began this walk with God, we were not ready to embrace the full truth of His word (Hebrews 5:13-14). It must be revealed to us as we are able to comprehend it. Even so, we must study His Word in order for the Holy Spirit to guide us to that full truth.

As I have deemed this specific ministry as my assignment from God, I committed myself to truly learning what God is saying to us. I do not want to just offer my opinion of what He is saying, but rather, what God is really saying. 2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV) says, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” This is my obligation as His child and as His representative. We should always present what He says, not what we think so that others will come to HIM, not us.

Our study of Jonah has caused me to look more closely at my life and not just critique Jonah. There is no doubt that Jonah was disobedient to a command from God. He believed that he could escape his responsibility and God by running away. He refused to follow the directions of God because it suited him. During these past weeks, I have had to come face to face with my own disobedience. I have delayed my postings just because I felt it could wait while I focused on the classes so that I could present these writings of encouragement more accurately and effectively. I was wrong. God even used a good friend of mine to remind me. She let me know just how much she enjoyed my posts and how they encouraged her. She missed being able to read it. She said that I was an encourager. It hit me hard. I had abandoned my assignment because I could not figure out how to fit it into all my busyness. I had not only let her down but others as well. I had not been consistent in sharing the Word of God and being that encourager. No wonder I felt so low and despondent much like Jonah. It is never good to delay the commands of God whether we agree or not or whether it is convenient or not.

How many times have I forsaken God’s objectives and plans to follow my own? I wonder, how many of you have done the same? As I continue to read about Jonah in chapter 2, I can identify with the anguish he feels. After much prayer, Jonah is reminded that God has not forsaken him and has even reached down into the pit to rescue him. I am grateful that we serve a merciful and gracious God. One who is patient with us no matter how low we get or far off the path we go. He is there with me beckoning us to come back to the path He has chosen for us. There is no depth or distance that He cannot reach if we will call on Him just as Jonah did.

I want to encourage you (and myself) to remember this. No matter how difficult the task may seem to us, God can strengthen us to carry it out and to do His will. Our assignments or directives from God are too important to delay or ignore. In doing so, we may be putting our lives and the lives of those under our influence at risk. How long will we delay that encouraging word that gives hope to the hopeless? How long will we delay His word going forth to bring salvation to the lost? How long will we delay sharing our testimony to encourage others who may be struggling right now? I want to encourage each of us to do all that is within our power to sharpen our gifts or talents that God wants to use for His glory. After we have done all that we can, we need to allow Him to do the rest. Let us bring glory to His name by committing ourselves to His purpose for our lives remembering that He has the final word in it all. When we do this, we shall find peace in our storms.

The Prayer

Lord, I thank You for Your mercies. They are new every morning and through them, we are not consumed because Your compassions fail not. Thank You for Your Grace that is sufficient, and Your loving-kindness which is immeasurable. Father, you shower us with your blessings of strength, protection, and provision, even when we do not deserve it. Father, thank You for responding to us out of your goodness, and not our own. For Your unmerited favor, Lord, we are grateful. There is none like You. We Bless and Praise Your Holy Name.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Worship in Song