Week four in Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted by Priscilla Shirer, closely follows on the heels of last week’s study. While God loves us no matter what, His desire for us is obedience. Sometimes that means doing something we do not want to do, other times it means waiting for His timing. Neither is easy, and we often seek to take matters into our own hands, much like Jonah did. We often end up with the same result.

While we may not be swallowed by a fish, we end up in situations that are not good for us, and God rescues us. He still wants us to be obedient and do what He has called us to do. Before we can do that though, our hearts must be transformed and we must be willing to obey. Once we are, God will send us out on the path He has called us to. We will not be going alone but with the Holy Spirit.

Nothing we face is too great or difficult because He is empowering us. We should never do things on our own, but through the power of the Holy Spirit so God alone gets the glory. I do not want people to look at what I have done. I want them to stand back from something and say, “Wow! Look what God has done! ”

God gave the Spirit to the disciples as an internal compass to help them find their way. -Priscilla Shirer

QScripture is filled with second-chance stories such as Aaron, Peter, Sarah, and Joseph’s Brothers. As modern believers, we presume all leaders, priests, ministers, rabbis, and such are pure and blameless. Then God reveals pride, rebellion, and sin/ God reminds us they are humans who struggle and need HIS Grace and leadership. Jonah was grateful for his second chance.

Do you normally have trouble waiting on God? Because my history with God is often SWIFT response and answers, when He delays I find myself in a fog. I have not known Him to ignore, so the concept of being patient is somewhat rooted in “being ignored by God?” It’s probably my framework on how I see Him working.

When it seems God is taking His time, perhaps YOU are not His intended “second chance” and He is working on someone around you. Pray on it.

From 2 Kings 5:10-11, Elisha the prophet instructed Naaman to dip seven times into the Jordan. How would you have responded if a prophet told you to do something similar as a cure for affliction? The prophet told him to humble himself. First I would discern if the prophet was of God or a false prophet. When under the Spirit of God, I would obey without hesitation. If I sensed the spirit was an imitation, I would certainly hold back. Be wise and discerning. Many many fake prophets exist today.

This is also why the people of Nineveh responded to Jonah, they knew he was a prophet of God. False prophets may have wisdom but their wisdom is NOT from God. This is why the Bible warns us to stay away from astrology, mediums, and tarot cards.

Be confident in Christ. Bring HIM everywhere you go, in all you say, in all you do. With Christ in YOU… the Bible says YOU can do all things. Remember your identity.

We do not cry out in dark places IF we are not called there. Because God has servants on assignment in those places- fasting and praying. We GO where we are sent… OUR assigned places.

Don’t go to a rally just because your kids, neighbors, or coworkers will think you are “cool” … let GOD direct your steps.

Don’t put on a graphic tee to be cool and accepted and like the world…put on the graphic tee that says “Christ in Me” and WEAR that to your rally!

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Christine Abraham writes for the Bible Cafe™ community. Learn about living by the Fruit of the Spirit as you enjoy her online Bible studies. Join Christine at the Bible Cafe™ University for weekly Bible teaching.