When Turning Back Is The Right Way Forward

I like it when we turn the clocks back in the fall because, as an early riser, I like the daylight earlier in the morning. Some people would rather leave the clocks alone and have more daylight in the evening; in fact, there’s a bill in Congress right now to keep Daylight Savings Time year round. As you might imagine, there are some who are for it and some who are against it. While people may disagree about turning the clocks back or not, there is one time turning back is always the right way forward. Turning back is always the right way forward when you’ve been running from God!

After disobeying God when He told Jonah to warn the wicked people of Nineveh of God’s impending judgement, Jonah discovered you can’t really run from God. Disobeying God, dishonoring Him, disagreeing with Him is never a good idea. Jonah discovered that the hard way; and if you decide to go your way instead of His way, you will too!

We’ve all been there… thinking our way is better than His way, or our will is better than His will, or our course is better than His course. After some harrowing experiences in a violent storm, a raging sea, and the smelly belly of a great fish, Jonah committed to stop fleeing from God and instead, start obeying God. If you’re fleeing from God these days, like Jonah, turn back and commit to obey Him going forward!

In Jonah 3, we see what happens when Jonah finally obeyed God; and at the same time, we discover Five Can’t Miss Truths for Following God Going Forward…

1) God doesn't like to repeat Himself, but He will if He has to! (Jonah 3:1-2)

2) When you get a second chance, make the most of it! (Jonah 3:3)

3) When you’re obedient to God, it opens the door for Him to do great things! (Jonah 3:4-5)

4) When you’ve been behaving badly, urgently and earnestly seek God’s mercy.

(Jonah 3:6-9)

5) God is willing to relent when we authentically repent! (Jonah 3:10)

For much more, click here to watch the service and the message Jonah - Part 2 - When Turning Back Is the Right Way Forward.