Ahhh, Lord Do I Really Need to Do This?
Good Son-Day!!!
Ahhh, Lord, Do I really Need to Do This?
In my career path there were times when I took on assignments that were miserable in nature and others did not want to tackle. It was my way of showing my employer, “bring it, I can handle anything and make it better”.
My peers scoffed at this approach saying it will yield you nothing but heartaches and in the end no one remembers your efforts. Thus, everything you think accomplished was done in vain. I will admit to the heartache piece of their response. But, I also will say the experiences also shaped me.
I learned some skill sets along the way that prepared me for where I am now. I had opportunities to work cushier assignments that may on the surface look like I am building my portfolio. Looking back, it just would have made my portfolio look nondescript.
During the interviews for different jobs, I was able to provide lived experiences about how I handled tough situations instead of contrived, conceptual answers. Hiring managers love interesting real life, gritty interview stories.
If I were to admit the truth to you, there was a part of me that said go the easy route. By nature, I am pragmatic. That side made me urge to pursue the “nothing ventured, nothing gained” approach. I am working another challenging job and couldn’t be happier. I enjoy the rush of the tough.
All of this leads up to being sensitive to God’s guidance and direction. When you allow Him to be the lamp unto your feet and a light to your path (Psalm 119:105). You will never be alone in your journey, nor will you fail in the most challenging life situations. I suspect you know this already; so, no real revelation here.
The personal dilemma a believer will (not might) is God has one known and clear path for you. You know the outcome of that path and it is not one you relish for whatever reason. You are reluctant to travel that path because of what it requires or exacts from you. Harken back to your Sunday school days of a prophet who clearly knew God plans for him. He did not like the work, the people, or God’s end game.
Jonah’s self-awareness of God’s direction for him
Jonah 1:4-12
4 The Lord hurled a powerful wind over the sea, causing a violent storm that threatened to break the ship apart. 5 Fearing for their lives, the desperate sailors shouted to their gods for help and threw the cargo overboard to lighten the ship.
But all this time Jonah was sound asleep down in the hold. 6 So the captain went down after him. “How can you sleep at a time like this?” he shouted. “Get up and pray to your god! Maybe he will pay attention to us and spare our lives.”
7 Then the crew cast lots to see which of them had offended the gods and caused the terrible storm. When they did this, the lots identified Jonah as the culprit. 8 “Why has this awful storm come down on us?” they demanded. “Who are you? What is your line of work? What country are you from? What is your nationality?”
9 Jonah answered, “I am a Hebrew, and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land.”
10 The sailors were terrified when they heard this, for he had already told them he was running away from the Lord. “Oh, why did you do it?” they groaned. 11 And since the storm was getting worse all the time, they asked him, “What should we do to you to stop this storm?”
12 “Throw me into the sea,” Jonah said, “and it will become calm again. I know that this terrible storm is all my fault.”
Jonah was a Hebrew bigot. He knew God’s plan was to use him to deliver a word of transformation which would save the lives of 120,000 Assyrians. Grant you, Assyrians were wicked. They were known for torture, mass killings, including the Hebrews. So Jonah’s feelings are with merit. Jonah knew if he did not follow through on God’s plan, their end was imminent. Like—wrath of God imminent.
Jonah knows how merciful God is and Jonah did not God's like grace (undeserved favor for the Assyrians).
An angry Jonah complains to God about His end game
Jonah 4:2-3 “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. 3 Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.”
Why we love God . . .
God’s response to Jonah’s surly complaint
Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?”
Again, God gives us free will to follow Him. His plan is not just about you so you and may take on paths where you do not want to go. On certain occasions like Easter, funerals, and weddings, the padre will have us recite the Lord’s Prayer; which has been embedded in our spirit and psyche throughout the years. It would be advisable to adhere to verse 10 of the prayer found in Matthew 6:9-13, Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.
What is God’s plan for you? I can give you a hint . . . “I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD. “I want you to enjoy success. I do not plan to harm you. I will give you hope for the years to come. Then you will call out to me. You will come and pray to me. And I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:11-12
Song of the Week
Lead Us Again, 2023, DOE. DOE (Dominique Jones, 35) was a member of the family gospel group “Forever Jones”---------they produced a great album back in the day. DOE has an angelic and soulful voice that elevates you when you listen to her worship songs.
Lead Us Again Lyrics
Lead us again, Holy Spirit lead us again
[VERSE 1]
I’m tired forcing moments
Conjuring up emotions, put Your name on it
Do we just love the spot light
Start a whole movement, have our face on it
No, we can’t plan revival
Shift the atmosphere, or create the fire
Cause that’s what You do
Yeah, only You do, that’s why we need You
[CHORUS 1]
Lead us again
Holy Spirit lead us again
We don’t wanna stay where we have been
Holy Spirit lead us again
[VERSE 2]
We don’t wanna move ahead of You
Worship the schedule instead of You
Put on display our best and brightest
Ironically the stage is where we hide us
That’s why we need You, Lord, we need You
God we can’t do what only You do
[CHORUS 1] x2
[BRIDGE 1] x2
We’re turning our hearts, we’re lifting our eyes
We’re bending our ear, speak Lord
[BRIDGE 2]
Help me say, speak Lord (Speak Lord) Say speak Lord (Speak Lord)
Oh, speak Lord (Speak Lord) oh, speak Lord (Speak Lord)
We can’t go without You (Speak Lord)
We won’t move until You (Speak Lord)
We won’t say a word until You (Speak Lord) Oh (Speak Lord)
[CHORUS 2] x3
Lead us again
Holy Spirit lead us again
We don’t wanna stay where we have been
Holy Spirit lead us again
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