Step-by-step
Jonah is the poster child for what not to do. The city of Nineveh was of great size and many people repented and turned to the Lord? Whether disobedient or obedient the Lord will use our lives and Jonah shares this truth.
Notice, "...Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. So he went down to Joppa, found a ship which was going to Tarshish, paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord." Jnh 1:3
Jonah went to Joppa, scoped out a ship, paid for a ride, and got on a ship. Decision by decision, step by step Jonah turned away from the Lord. With each step Jonah tried to turn away from the Lord.
This reminds me of the psalmists who wrote, "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there." Ps 139:7-8
Father, I pray we will be careful of our decisions. That we'll recognize we can't run from You. I pray we'll run to You. Search our hearts Father, help us to see if we're choosing to turn from you instead of to You. And help us with the faith and strength to turn to You. Even right now, in Jesus name, AMEN.
-To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.