Turning from Tarshish

04/09/21 – 04/20/21

A Challenging Call

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  04/12/21

God never promised an easy life. In our service to Him, we will sometimes be called to certain tasks that are difficult or even frightening. In the Old Testament, we see the journey of the prophet Jonah as he, too, faced a challenging call from God.

Jonah’s initial attitude toward his call to witness to the Ninevites can be summarized in these words: “Surely not me, and definitely not them!” All of us have been there at some point in our lives—whether in a general attitude of not wanting to witness or in a specific situation that we found awkward or complicated.

Like many of us, Jonah wasn’t ready to step outside of his comfort zone. He was happy to serve God when the tasks were easy and enjoyable, but he resisted God’s call when it meant a greater height of service.

Prayer: God help me to be open and obedient to whatever and wherever You call me, even when it takes me out of my comfort zone. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you” (1 Samuel 12:24).