What Happens When We Stop Running From God?
Running away is something we learn young—whether it’s avoiding chores, dodging responsibility, or turning away from difficult conversations. But Scripture reminds us that the greatest thing we often run from is God’s call on our lives.
Jonah knew this firsthand. God said, “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it” (Jonah 1:2). But Jonah ran in the opposite direction—literally thousands of kilometers away. Instead of obedience, he chose avoidance.
Yet God pursued him. A violent storm came, shaking the ship Jonah used to escape. While pagan sailors cried out in desperation, Jonah was asleep below deck—apathetic to both his call and the crisis. Eventually, Jonah admitted the truth: “I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you” (Jonah 1:12).
When Jonah surrendered—being thrown into the sea—the storm calmed, and the sailors turned in worship to the Lord. What started with running ended with redemption.
This story is a mirror for us:
Running from God costs us more than obedience.
Storms can be God’s wake-up call, not His destruction.
Our surrender can lead others to encounter God.
The world is in a storm—brokenness, anxiety, addiction, injustice. Like Jonah, we can run or sleep through it. Or we can surrender to God’s call and be used as instruments of hope. The good news is, Jesus has already shown the better way. He didn’t run from the mission—He stepped into the storm to bring salvation.
The question is: will we keep running, or will we surrender and trust Him?
Jonah ran from God’s call to Nineveh because he didn’t want to see his enemies repent. Who might be your “Nineveh”—a person or group that’s hard for you to love?
Running from God cost Jonah time, energy, and peace. What are some ways disobedience costs us more than obedience?
The sailors recognized the storm as more than natural. How do you see “storms” in our world today pointing people to spiritual realities?
Jonah fell asleep while others cried out. In what ways can the church risk “sleeping” through the storms of our culture?
Jonah’s surrender led to the sailors worshiping God. How might your obedience create opportunities for others to encounter Jesus?