#running

Last week I announced that I was starting something new. I decided to publish that post but not before I felt fear. What are people going to say, how do I explain the idea, and so many more thoughts flooded my mind. I felt that feeling you get right before jumping into ice cold water. Even though I felt this “flinch” I knew I had to share the post and to start this new project. Sharing the post means I now have accountability to actually follow through. 

This process has reminded me of the story of Jonah. In the first two verses we meet Jonah and find out his call. Jonah hears the word of the Lord and is given the command to go to Nineveh and preach against its sin. Jonah is a prophet and it seems natural for him to hear from God and obey the directions given by God, but then comes verse three. Verse three says, “but Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord” (Jonah 1.3).
 
​I am reminded of this story because that is exactly what I have been doing with this idea. Today I looked back in my notes and found the first document I wrote when I began to think about this ministry. I created that note February 10, 2016. That means this idea started over three years ago. I have since added to that note, created new notes, and talked to many people about this idea. Three years I have been sitting on this idea and have made very little action.
 
In the four years it took me to gain my biblical studies degree, focusing on pastoral ministry, and in my time now pursuing my masters of divinity I have had to talk about my call to ministry an awful lot. The topic comes up in every class, job interview, and pretty much every conversation regarding the future. I never have a very good answer. I just say my calling is to some sort of ministry, while that answer is true it is also a way for me to run from this call that God has given me. This call is the one to disciple people. This ministry is how I plan to fulfill that call and it is not an idea that I have gone into lightly.

If my story really does relate to Jonah, then I have to obey because getting swallowed by a fish is not something that sounds enjoyable. So, I will not continue to run from God instead I will continue to embrace this call and the passion God has given to me for this season of life.
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As for your life and story, what is God calling you to do? Have you run from the call of God? Maybe that call is to surrender your life to him, maybe it is to quit that behavior you know you struggle with, or maybe you aren’t running anymore and instead are embracing the call. Wherever you are on the journey I’d love to hear about it. Comment down below about your journey with running from God’s call. 

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