It’s Not A Hearing Problem, But A Listening Problem

In Jonah’s darkest hours, God was right there waiting for him to reach out for help.  God never had a chip on His shoulder, with the attitude that, since Jonah turned on Him, God would let him squirm a little before coming to his aid.  The opposite was true.  God was at the ready.  God was all ears – it was Jonah who didn’t want anything to do with God.  That was until the fish situation – and it took three days for Jonah to give in and call on God.  Jonah’s stubbornness was in full bloom. And God’s purposes for Jonah also remained.

Thankfully, Jonah finally relinquished and called on God.  He heard and responded with deliverance for Jonah.  His feet were once again on dry land.  But Jonah’s heart wasn’t overflowing with joy.  There was still the pressing matter of preaching to the Ninevites.  

When God spoke to Jonah, He didn’t give Jonah a tongue lashing – the three days in the fish were enough. God simply went right back to the beginning.  Jonah 3:1-2   And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying,2 Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.

How easy it is to overlook the obvious. God never silenced Jonah.  God never gave Jonah the silent treatment.  It was Jonah who chose to put his fingers in his ears and scream la, la, la, la, la, la.  

Yet, God permitted Jonah to hear His directive again. 

How many times have you and I walked over, shut down, and downright ignored what the Lord gave us to do/say/hear/receive – as if He were mistaken about the directive He gave.   

Yes, I know we know it’s God that is at the helm, but there were numerous occasions in my life, where I just decided, “Uh, no. I’d rather do this.” 

God doesn’t have a hearing problem, and neither do we.  We have a listening problem when the Lord gives us assignments that we don’t approve of or want to participate in.  But thank God for extending to Jonah another opportunity to complete the same assignment.  

I am determined that when the Lord gives me an assignment, I will hear, listen, and follow through on His directive the first time.  Lord, help me let go of the spirit of stubbornness and just do as You say. Help me not to ignore Your voice or resist Your directives. Give me a heart that responds with obedience instead of excuses.

3 And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying,² Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. Jonah 3:1-2 KJV)

In the Master’s Service,
Author/Pastor Michele D Robertson
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 (KJV)