Just Do the Thing!

Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh.

Jonah 3:3

God has called me to do a task. A big one. He’s confirmed it over and over, and yet, for the past two years, I have done all manner of things to avoid it. Why do I do this? 

When God calls you to do something, He gives you the power, grace, and provisions to do it. I know this. But yet, the task feels daunting. It is like I am standing at the foot of the mountain (the task) staring at unnavigable terrain. As I look up, I can’t see the top for the clouds. 

I am like Jonah, who didn’t want to preach in Nineveh, so he tried to run from God’s plan and directive. It didn’t work. After being thrown over the side of a ship, swallowed and vomited out by a whale, Jonah finally obeyed. God was gracious but persistent. As He is with me.

Joshua was another who believed God and obeyed. He told the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you (Joshua 3:5 KJV). Wonders in Hebrew means to be wonderful, be marvelous, be amazing; to be hard, to fulfill; to cause to astound; to show oneself marvelous. God can’t help but do wonders, for He is wonder-ful!

When Sarah questioned whether God would give her a child in her old age, He answered, Is anything too hard (same Hebrew word) for the Lord? (Genesis 18:14). 

Beth Moore once stated, “If you are in over your head, you are sitting pretty for an amazing work of God. His specialty is anything and everything that is way too hard for you. Clear the path and let Him.” 

How about you? Have you been running from something God is calling you to do? 

Lord, please forgive me for running from what you have given me to do. It is time to quit running. Thank you for continually reminding me You will do it through me. All I have to do is show up. Help me buckle down and do the thing! 

Johna Clemons