Get Off the Boat: The Call to Obey God's Instructions

Every day, we face decisions—some conscious, some subconscious. We often choose to follow our own desires rather than adhering to God's instructions. This tendency to act on our own terms can lead us to ignore the divine guidance meant to shape our lives and the lives of those around us. Today, I urge you to take a crucial step: Get off the boat.

God provides us with instructions to guide our paths, and ignoring these directions is an act of selfishness. Our personal choices not only affect our own lives but also have ripple effects on those around us. Just as Jonah's disobedience led to a storm threatening the lives of others, our own reluctance to follow God's guidance can bring chaos and harm to those connected to us.

In the book of Jonah, we see how God gave Jonah clear instructions: go to Nineveh and announce its impending judgment (Jonah 1:1-2 NIV). Instead, Jonah chose to flee in the opposite direction, boarding a ship to escape God's call. This act of defiance resulted in a violent storm that jeopardized everyone on board (Jonah 1:3-4).

When we disregard God's instructions, we’re not just choosing to follow our own path, we're potentially causing distress and chaos in the lives of others. Your decision to run away from God's call might be leading to difficulties in your family, job, or community. The chaos and calamity surrounding you could be a direct consequence of your refusal to act on God's direction.

Consider the implications of Jonah's story - In Jonah 1:5 (NIV), we see the effects of Jonah’s disobedience: "All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship." Their fear and the desperate measures they took were a direct result of Jonah’s attempt to flee. Similarly, our failure to obey God's instructions can cause turmoil in the lives of those around us. Whether it's choosing not to support a ministry, neglecting to lead your family in prayer, or avoiding a calling to serve, your disobedience has consequences.

God's call is not limited by our reluctance or our feelings of inadequacy. Just as Jonah's decision to flee didn't absolve him of his assignment, neither does our hesitation or fear remove the call on our lives. Jonah 1:9 (NIV) reminds us: "He answered, 'I am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.'" Even in his disobedience, Jonah acknowledged God’s sovereignty. God is omnipresent and omniscient; there is no escaping His presence or His plans for us.

It's time to stop avoiding and start obeying. If you're currently on a metaphorical boat, trying to avoid God's instructions, it's time to jump ship. Embrace the assignment God has given you, no matter how challenging it may seem. Recognize that your obedience could be the key to unlocking breakthrough and transformation in others' lives.

For instance, Jonah eventually obeyed and went to Nineveh. His obedience led to the repentance of an entire city. Similarly, your compliance with God's call could result in significant transformation for those around you. Your obedience can spark a chain reaction of change, healing, and salvation.

When you align yourself with God's will, you become a beacon of hope and transformation. People are watching and waiting for the manifestation of God’s power in your life. By getting off the boat and stepping into your divine assignment, you pave the way for others to experience God's grace and salvation.

Imagine a community where every believer is actively following God’s call. Picture families united in prayer, neighborhoods transformed by faith, and workplaces infused with God’s purpose. This is the vision God has for us, and it starts with each of us saying yes to His instructions and getting off the boat.

Don't let fear or doubt prevent you from stepping into your destiny. Acknowledge the areas where you've hesitated and commit to following God's guidance. Your obedience is not just a personal victory; it has the power to bring about change and blessings in the lives of those around you.

Take the leap. Get off the boat and fully embrace the calling God has for you. With faith and courage, you’ll see how your obedience can transform your life and the lives of others. The breakthrough and transformation you're looking for, and that others are waiting for, are within reach—just a step of obedience away.