The story of Jonah draws me in. I understand him. I’ve done similar things in the past. When God called me into a new direction, I tried to hide behind other people’s writings and publications. That season grew unbearable, and after a few tough conversations with Holy Spirit, it got better.

And as I began a new season, I thought about areas where I had run from God and how He redeemed those places. Again my attention was drawn to Jonah. Even two people from different time zones simultaneously sent me messages about him.

And when God says it repeatedly, I pay attention.

In a tiny nutshell, Jonah, an Israelite, was called to bring a prophetic word to Nineveh, home to Assyrians. Instead of delivering the word as he had for the Israelites during King Jeroboam II’s reign, he took off in the opposite direction, with near-disastrous results for everyone involved.

Most of us recognise the story of Jonah from the perspective of running from God’s purpose or calling for you. But the longer I reflect on it, I’m reminded that our actions are revealing and sometimes bear consequences we cannot prepare for.

Jonah’s running was, in essence, disobedience to God. He boarded a boat rightfully going where it was supposed to go, but that’s not where he was called. His attempted escape to Tarshish threw other people in the middle of a storm that had nothing to do with them.

They threw their cargo overboard to stay afloat. The storm was so fierce they could not even row to safety. They were stuck in a storm because someone disobedient to God’s call had gotten into the boat with them.

It might not look as dramatic in your circumstances. But if you started in a direction, got stuck or faced an unrelenting storm, perhaps you’ve onboarded a runaway passenger or are in the wrong boat.

Ask God to reveal which one it is and prayerfully respond accordingly.

However, another issue, perhaps one we don’t often consider, is Jonah’s lack of compassion. Jonah was not running from God’s call because he was afraid. He fled in the opposite direction because he disapproved of who God wanted to save. He could not accept that God’s mercy could extend to his enemies — outsiders.

Jonah was an Israelite prophet called to bring a word of warning to the Assyrians, Israel’s enemies. Essentially, to bless His enemies. Jonah’s lack of compassion for the Assyrians was so strong that he was willing to disobey God’s call and see them destroyed.

Holy Spirit kept bringing to mind that many people are Jonah. Whether knowing or unknowing, many, for convenience, fear, or resentment of their assigned population or the place of assignment, have not followed God’s call.

Others are called to fulfil a purpose in public places, serving people their culture considers enemies, undeserving of forgiveness or mercy. Enemies of their forefathers, family feuds, and people they don’t agree with or have wronged them before.

God is calling some of us to nations who not only know about God but who, at one point, came under the guise of Christianity and, on arrival, stole, enslaved and destroyed.

Quietly and sometimes unaware, we harbour these attitudes and perpetuate the discord because our commitment to us vs them is so ingrained in our thought patterns, we do not even know when the motive for our actions or indifference arises from the wound.

I can almost hear the protests. Yes, our communities are vital. We should advocate and work to end injustices, but obedience to God is critical.

We cannot be the ones viewing one group as more deserving of our compassion than others. 

“Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone,” the Lord says.

Yes, Lord, but just not over there.

But, friend, adjusting God’s instructions to suit preference, comfort, or norm is still disobedience.

And at times, where God calls us is as much about us as it is about the people we are called to serve. He more than reveals the wound. It is an opportunity for repentance and to receive God’s healing and redemption.

We have blindspots that hinder our progress. Friend, submit to being sent by God so He can make you whole.

And so, for those in the wrong boat, friends get out. God has a moment where if you would seek Him as Jonah did from the bowels of a fish, the Lord will bring you where you should be.

God is a God of second chances. Turn to Him and seek Him again for the word He entrusted to you when He called you out.

There is grace for a second chance in Him. How He brings you through is not up for debate. It might still not be to your liking. But God is bringing back moments for you to jump right back in with a healed heart. He will redeem the time.

If you are feeling stuck, check your surroundings and seek the Lord. Heal and grow in compassion. Not pity but compassion that causes you to serve as God asks you to.

You carry the anointing to serve that group. God called you to it. Go so you and others can receive healing, and a second chance, to the glory of God.