A Prayer to Run to Instead of from God - Your Daily Prayer - January 23

A Prayer to Run to Instead of from God
By: Laura Bailey

Bible Reading:
“Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” - Jonah 1:12 NIV

Listen or Read Below:

Have you ever tried to outrun God? I have – a few times, actually. Spoiler alert: You can try to hide, but God will always find His children.

The first time I tried to outrun God was when I went off to College. Choosing a school that was a few hours away, I thought I was safe from my parents’ constant intervention in my spiritual life.

After a few interactions with well-meaning friends to keep me on the straight and narrow, I decided to run further. So, I spent my sophomore year in Scotland. I had a relatively guilt-free year, but upon returning to the States, I felt bombarded with questions about my faith walk. 

This led me to take a job in Montreal, Canada, 2,000 miles away from any of my family and friends. I wanted the freedom to do whatever I wanted to do, and wasn’t planning to answer to them, or well, God, for that matter. Submitting to God meant living life devoid of pleasure. Christianity was a laundry list of rules that held me back. 

Ironically, while avoiding a “suppressive’ relationship with God, I increasingly felt more depressed and alone in the world. It was exhausting pretending that everything was okay.  All this “freedom” ultimately led to a breakdown that sent me sobbing in my boss’s office, packing my bags, and arriving back at my childhood home just hours later. 

As children, one of the first stories we learn about is Jonah's attempt to run from God. Jonah disobeys God, gets thrown off a boat, and is swallowed by a whale. I mean, did Jonah really think he could outrun God and God would not find him?  Jonah knew he could never escape God’s call.  When the storm came, he knew it was a result of his actions. It was not until he was literally in the belly of a big fish, alone and totally dependent on God’s mercy, that he surrendered to God's will for his life.

I have never been in the belly of any giant fish, but I have experienced life in the bottomless, dark pit of despair. Sinking deeper and deeper, I screamed silently for someone to wrap their arms around me, to save me from myself, and to lift me out of the hole I had dug for myself. And like Jonah, I knew I was in the wrong boat. The life I lived was not the life God intended for me.  It seemed easier to make my own way than to trust and obey a Heavenly Father.  

I couldn't outrun God. He chose me to be His daughter and pursued me until I surrendered to His call of loving grace. No matter how hard I tried to push Him away, the Lord relentlessly pursued me after I visited my family and made the decision to return to the South permanently. I gave notice to my job, severed a relationship that I knew from the beginning was wrong for me, and spent those last months in a beautiful city completely alone, but not without hope.

The Christian walk is difficult. We must stop denying the truth and confess that we need help. We must open our hearts and minds to hear and obey God’s Word, even when it leads us to act contrary to all feeling and instinct. We can resist, rebel, and run, but that only provides temporary relief. Total surrender enables us to abide in the comforting arms of our Father's grace and mercy, as well as in His infinite love and protection.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, You are a God who pursues. We are grateful that you never give up on your children. Scripture tells us that you would leave the ninety-nine to save the one. Lord, we ask that if anyone is running from You, that You would open their hearts and minds to receiving You.

Lord, we pray for those who are worried over wayward spouses, children, friends, and family members. We ask that you give them strength to speak boldly in love, to encourage their loved ones to return to You. Lord, we ask that those who are trying to escape Your presence quickly turn back to You. We love You, Lord.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/BrianAJackson 

Laura Bailey is an author and Bible teacher who encourages women to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Her recent book, Embracing Eternity in the Here and Now, explores how the timeless truths of Ecclesiastes help us live more peaceful, purposeful, and plentiful lives today.

She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com connect on Facebook and Instagram. 

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