Jonah and the whale.

Jonah and the big fish.

Jonah 1:1-3 The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: “Go to the great

city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before

me.” But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down

to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went

aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.

Jonah 1:1 The word of the Lord came to Jonah…

Hebrews 4:12-13 MSG His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting

through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey.

Nothing and no one can resist God’s Word. We can’t get away from it—no matter

what.

1. God’s WORD doesn’t always align with my COMFORT.

Jonah 1:2 GO to the great city of Nineveh and preach…

GO—move in a DIFFERENT DIRECTION from where you are.

Our COMFORT is often the enemy of our PROGRESS.

Gath-Hepher: “winepress on the watering hole”

2. There is always a boat ready to take you in the WRONG DIRECTION.

Jonah 1:3 But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went

down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare,

he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.

Jonah 1:5 But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep

sleep.

Jonah 1:4 Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm

arose that the ship threatened to break up.

3. When you are RUNNING, God will often allow a STORM to WAKE you

up.

Where are you running from God?