If you have read some of my posts by now, you know I’m a runner. Not in the sense that I’m active on trails, but rather I’m a runaway. I run away from problems or conflict and I avoid things I shouldn’t. And by now, some of you know I identify with Jonah most days. Lately, I have been praying over what an escape would do in my life. As if running away from a mission would provide peace.

There are plenty of verses advocating to go out and accomplish things for God. I’m not discrediting those words. But I want to challenge those of you like me, who are ignoring the voice saying to stay still. Both going and staying are responses of obedience for what God is telling you.

In Jeremiah’s day, the Israelites needed to obey God’s call to stay put, and God was going to strengthen them. But they chose to go to Egypt instead, an escape they chased out of fear.

As important as it is to go when He tells you to go, it is equally important to stay if He is telling you to stay. Jonah was swallowed by a fish when he disobeyed the call. What is it that is swallowing you? What trap are you in that you need to escape? Spend some time today in prayer, looking for peace in your situation. You can’t outrun the mission God has for you.

“Pray that the Lord your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do.” -Jeremiah 42:3

“If you stay in this land, I will build you up and not tear you down; I will plant you and not uproot you, for I am grieved over the disaster I have inflicted on you. Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon, whom you now fear. Do not be afraid of him, declares the Lord, for I am with you and will save you and deliver you from his hands. I will show you compassion so that he will have compassion so that he will have compassion on you and restore you to your land.” – Jeremiah 42:10-12