notesbynora

Sometimes faith doesn’t look like a grand gesture — it looks like simple obedience. It’s not always the size of our calling that determines our faith, but our willingness to follow through even when it’s hard.

The story of Jonah reminds us just how human we are. God told Jonah to go to Nineveh and deliver a message of repentance. Instead, Jonah ran the other way — straight onto a ship headed in the opposite direction. Many of us are Jonahs. We may not board a literal ship, but we run in our own ways. We delay, make excuses, or abandon the assignment when it becomes uncomfortable.

We often don’t realize that our disobedience doesn’t just affect us. When Jonah fled, the storm that came upon the sea put every sailor’s life in danger. Sometimes we are on ships we need to be thrown off of — relationships, habits, attitudes, or choices that are taking others with us into our storms.

Faith and obedience are intertwined. Faith believes what God says; obedience acts on it. But obedience requires perseverance — a steady, trusting heart that stays the course even when the seas grow rough.

I’ve learned that obedience rarely feels convenient. When God asks us to forgive, it’s often the last thing we want to do. When He calls us to serve, it may interrupt our comfort. When He directs us toward something new, it may stretch us beyond what we think we can handle. But faith reminds us — He asked us. And the same God who asked will sustain us through it.

Jonah’s story doesn’t end in the storm. God sent a great fish to rescue him, not punish him – to give him time to realign his heart. When Jonah finally obeyed, the city of Nineveh turned to God. What a reminder that our obedience can bring redemption not just to us, but to others.

Maybe you’ve been running from something God asked of you — a step of faith, a conversation, a change of direction. Stop running. Step back into obedience. The storm may calm the moment you do.

Prayer

Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve run from Your will. Give me the courage to obey even when it’s hard, and the faith to trust You with every outcome. Remind me that obedience isn’t punishment — it’s the pathway to peace. Help me to stay the course You’ve called me to, no matter how strong the winds may blow. Amen.