Jonah was given the gift of prophesy. "The word of the LORD came to Jonah" (Jonah 1:1). He was quite happy using his gift as long as he could utilize it where he wanted to. As soon as God asked him to go to a different place (Ninevah) and a different people, he ran from God.
How many of us are like Jonah, at least for a time? I loved my ladies' Sunday School class. I loved teaching them. I loved what I was doing, but God drew me away from there. I was very comfortable sharing what God had taught me. The fact is, I was very attached to my class. For a time, I think I was very much like Jonah - I ran from God's calling.
God was calling me out of my comfort zone. I love teaching women, but I wondered how will the couples' class respond to my teaching? I didn't have to spend three days and nights in the tummy of a big fish, but I wonder if God had that ole fish ready for me.
Our gifts are from God. "Each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that." (1 Corinthians 7:7) They are to be used where and when He chooses and will often be out of our comfort zone. We must surrender to God's call and then trust Him to provide, Don't be a Jonah!
Kay,
ReplyDeleteWhen you are teaching your new class just let God do the teaching like you always did for us and all of you will be blessed. Thank you for setting an example for us to get out of our comfort zone and go to where God needs us to go.
May God continue to bless you and those around you. Love in Christ, Jean