Turning from Tarshish

04/09/21 – 04/20/21

A Jonah-Sized Challenge

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  04/19/21

After Jonah allowed God to use him, we see the greatest miracle in the book of Jonah: the salvation of the Ninevites. These cruel pagan people experienced one of the greatest revivals in Biblical history.

The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. . . . When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened. (Jonah 3:5-6, 10).

You may doubt your abilities or eloquence in sharing about Christ. You may feel hesitant about discussing faith with someone who is offensive or unlovable. But when you allow the Holy Spirit to work through you, amazing things can happen. When we present the authentic Gospel of Jesus Christ and live our lives as authentic Christians, we can have more impact than we can imagine.

Is God calling you to a Jonah-sized task today? He may not be calling you to preach to an entire town, but perhaps you are facing your own hostile Ninevite. Instead of running from what God is entrusting to you, seek His strength today to face the work He has called you to do.

Prayer: Father, teach me to trust in You and Your strength for the work You call me to do. I pray that Your Spirit would fill me with courage to boldly proclaim Your Truth to those around me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).