Turning from Tarshish

04/09/21 – 04/20/21

Changing Course

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  04/10/21

Read Jonah 1.

Jonah thought he had circumvented God’s call to Nineveh by sailing away from it. What Jonah couldn’t see was the storm brewing beyond the horizon. Soon he would discover that his disobedience would cost him far more than the ship’s fare.

God is extremely patient with us. When we begin to rebel, He often lets us run until we return to Him broken and repentant. But sometimes God will intervene: “Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up” (Jonah 1:4).

Are you drifting away from God? Maybe there is a task or a witnessing opportunity He has been nudging you toward, but you have refused to budge. Or perhaps you have turned a deaf ear to God’s voice, fearing what He may be calling you to do.

Changing our course can be a challenge, but by spending time in prayer, we can listen for the Spirit’s voice—and His wisdom. Seek forgiveness for spiritual drifting or disobedience in your life. Commit to a fresh and renewed relationship with Christ.

Prayer: God, help me to change course so that I’m going the direction You have called me to go. Guide me and give me wisdom as I listen for Your voice. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. . . . Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Psalm 51:10, 12).