June 5, 2019

“And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.” – Jonah 2:10

Over my years of being a pastor, I have talked with many people who are worried and even fearful that they are not within God’s will. They deeply desire to be in the place God wants them to be, work the job God wants them to work, or do the ministry God wants them to do but they are unsure of what that is. Sometimes this fear can be so deep that it is crippling; they are so afraid of being outside the will of God, they end up doing nothing.

When I talk with these people, I always remind them of the story of Jonah. Jonah knew exactly what the will of God was. In fact, he heard the audible voice of God telling him exactly what he should do…and Jonah ran the other way. But do you remember how the story ends? Jonah does the will of God. Now I’m not saying that God will override your free will today and force his will on you. But I am saying that your desire to do his will is all he wants. So don’t worry, if God can accomplish his will through a stubborn prophet and a giant fish, surely he can use your willing heart to bring about what he desires for you!

Almighty God, do not let us live as anxious and fearful children. Let us have hearts and minds that are truly set on You, and then let us rest in Your faithfulness to both reveal and accomplish Your will in our lives.

In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Shane Cannon