Running on Empty: When Our Plans Clash with God's Purpose

Jonah 1:1-3 (NKJV)

"Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, ‘Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.’ But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord."

Prayer

Introduction:

Good morning, Church! How many of you know that sometimes we can be *stubborn*? I’m talking about that special kind of stubbornness where we know exactly what God wants us to do, but we still find ourselves saying, “No, Lord, not today. I’ve got my own plans!” You know, like when you’ve planned your day off, and suddenly your wife hits you with a “Honey-Do” list of things for you to do. All you wanted was to relax, but now you’re running errands all over town!

Well, this morning, we’re going to talk about someone who tried to run from God’s to-do list. We’re going to talk about Jonah—a man who had his own agenda and wasn’t too keen on God’s instructions. Let’s dive into the story, but I promise, no one will have to run out of here today unless you’re running towards what God is calling you to do!

So, this morning for a few minutes I would like to preach and teach on “Running on Empty: When Our Plans Clash with God's Purpose”

1. Perception

Nineveh, the city Jonah was supposed to preach to wasn’t just any city; it was the capital of the ancient Assyrian Empire, a city full of wealth, power, and influence. But it was also a city known for its wickedness and sin. Think of a place with a reputation so bad, that just the mention of its name makes you shudder.

Now, Jonah had some thoughts about Nineveh, and let’s just say they weren’t the warm and fuzzy kind. He saw Nineveh as a lost cause, a place unworthy of God’s grace. In his mind, there was no hope for Nineveh—those people were too far gone. And to top it all off Jonah saw the Assyrians as an enemy to his people.

But here’s the thing, Church: how often do we write people off because of our own perceptions? How many times have you ever felt written off? How many times have we decided that someone is beyond saving, beyond redemption, beyond hope? We look at them and think, “Lord, are you sure about this one?” But God sees what we don’t. Where we see problems, God sees potential! He sees a future where we see failure. Where we see a mess, God sees a masterpiece in the making! Are picking up what I am putting down? Hallelujah! God is working it out when we are trying to figure it out! If you believe it, give Him some praise this morning!

**Application:** Today, I challenge you to examine your own heart. Who have you written off in your life? Is there a Nineveh that you’ve deemed unworthy of God’s love? Remember, if God can send Jonah to a place like Nineveh, He can send us to the people and places we might least expect.

2. The Call of God

God’s call to Jonah was clear: “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it.” Now, God didn’t stutter, and He didn’t send Jonah a vague message. It was specific, timely, and purposeful. God was calling Jonah to do something important, something that had the potential to change the lives of many.

And let’s be honest—when God calls us, it’s not always to do something easy. Sometimes, it is downright hard! To step out of our comfort zone, to go somewhere, or do something that challenges us. But remember, when God calls, He has already equipped us. He doesn’t send us on a mission without giving us the tools we need to succeed.

**Application:** What is God calling you to do today? Is there a task, a mission, or a purpose that God has laid on your heart, but you’ve been hesitant to answer? Maybe it’s because it doesn’t align with your plans. It could be that you don’t feel qualified, you don’t feel strong enough! But let me tell you, God’s plans are always better than ours. When we answer His call, we walk in His purpose, and not trying to make it in our own power, but His power.

3. The Disobedience of Jonah

Now, here’s where things get interesting. Instead of heading to Nineveh, Jonah decided to run in the exact opposite direction—towards Tarshish. Jonah lived in Gath-hepher, which was located in the region of Galilee. From where he was to Nineveh was about 500 miles. Tarshish on the other hand, one, the exact location has never been agreed on, but the place it is believed to have been was 2,500 miles away. Jonah wasn’t just trying to get away from Nineveh; he was trying to get away from God! But we all know how that worked out for him.

Jonah’s disobedience wasn’t just about fear; it was about a lack of trust. He didn’t trust that God’s plan was better than his own. And Church, how many times have we done the same thing? We know what God is asking us to do, but instead, we run the other way. We let fear, doubt, and our own agendas take the driver’s seat, and before we know it, we’re headed in the wrong direction. There are storms that hit us, then there are storms that we run to.

**Application:** If you find yourself running from God’s call today, I want to remind you that there’s no place you can go where God’s love won’t find you. Jonah tried to flee, but God was right there with him, even in his disobedience. It’s never too late to turn around, to stop running, and to say, “Yes, Lord, I’ll go where You send me.”

Conclusion

Now, let me bring this home, Church! Jonah thought he could outrun the call of God, but what Jonah didn’t realize is that you can’t outrun God’s love, His mercy, or His purpose for your life! Somebody in here has been running—running from your calling, running from your purpose, running from the very thing God has designed you to do. But let me tell you, it’s time to stop running!

You see, Jonah found himself in the belly of a fish because he tried to run, but God didn’t leave him there! No matter how far you’ve gone, how long you’ve been running, or how deep you’ve sunk, God’s grace is deeper still! God has a way of turning your detours into divine appointments! He’ll take you from the pit to the purpose, from the belly of despair to the shores of destiny!

Somebody say, "I’m done running!" Say it like you mean it! God’s call is on your life, and He’s saying, "Get up, go to your Nineveh, and watch what I’ll do!" The enemy wants to keep you bound in fear, doubt, and disobedience, but God is calling you to rise up, to step out in faith, and to walk in the fullness of His plan!

Church, when you walk in God’s purpose, mountains move, chains break, and miracles happen! Don’t you dare let the enemy convince you that your Nineveh is too hard, that your past is too dark, or that your mistakes are too big? God has already made a way! He’s gone ahead of you, preparing the path, paving the road, and He’s saying, "My child, just trust Me!"

So, as we leave this place, let’s go with the assurance that God is with us, that His call on our lives is irrevocable, and that when we say “Yes” to God, we step into the miraculous! No more running! No more hiding! No more excuses! It’s time to stand up, step out, and let God use us in ways we’ve never imagined!

If you are ready run to call has called you to do somebody say, "I’m ready, Lord!" Say it like you believe it! Now, let’s give God a mighty praise for His unending grace, His unstoppable love, and His undeniable power! Hallelujah and Amen!