Living the Good Life Diary: Hearing God and Following His Instructions

Living the Good Life Diary: Hearing God and Following His Instructions

The story of Jonah in the Bible is a powerful illustration of the consequences of hearing God’s call, choosing to disobey, and the redeeming power of God’s mercy. It not only reveals God's authority but also His unfailing desire to guide us on paths that are best for us, even when we fail to see it. In Jonah chapter one, we see the prophet, who was chosen by God, attempting to flee from his calling, but God had other plans. Let’s delve into this story to understand the dynamics of hearing God, obeying Him, and the benefits that come from following His divine instructions.

Hearing God's Call

God is constantly speaking to us, whether we realize it or not. He speaks through His Word (the Bible), through people, circumstances, and even through our inner spirit. In the case of Jonah, God's instruction was clear: "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me" (Jonah 1:2). Jonah heard God's command unmistakably but chose to run in the opposite direction.

Hearing from God requires a heart that is open to His voice. In Jeremiah 33:3, the Lord says, "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." God desires communication with us, and He is willing to guide us if we are receptive to His Word. To hear from God, we must quiet our spirits and seek Him intentionally through prayer and the study of scripture. Matthew 7:7 assures us that if we seek, we will find. God’s voice often comes in the stillness of our hearts, as it did to Elijah when God spoke in a “still, small voice” (1 Kings 19:12).

Obeying God's Instructions

When God calls us, there is always a reason. He knows the end from the beginning and His instructions are meant to lead us into His perfect will. Jonah’s response to God’s call, however, was one of resistance. Instead of going to Nineveh as instructed, Jonah boarded a ship to Tarshish, seeking to flee from the presence of the Lord. But his disobedience set off a series of challenges that affected not only Jonah but also the sailors with him.

Disobeying God often leads to chaos in our lives. Jonah’s disobedience caused a violent storm to arise, threatening the lives of everyone on the ship. “Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up” (Jonah 1:4). Similarly, when we resist God's plan, we may find ourselves in the midst of turmoil, confusion, and frustration. These storms are not necessarily punishments, but they can be God’s way of redirecting us back to the right path.

The people around Jonah tried their best to help him when the storm came, throwing cargo overboard to lighten the ship, but it was of no use (Jonah 1:5). Their efforts were futile because Jonah's disobedience was the root cause of the storm. This teaches us that when we are out of alignment with God’s will, even the help of others may not bring peace until we submit to God’s call.

Yet, in the midst of all this, God’s mercy remained upon Jonah. Though the storm raged, and the sailors eventually cast Jonah overboard, God had already prepared a great fish to swallow him, preserving his life (Jonah 1:17). Even in our disobedience, God’s mercy prevails. He is not quick to cast us away but instead provides opportunities for us to return to Him.

The Benefits of Following God's Commands

Jonah’s story takes a positive turn when he finally obeys God after being delivered from the belly of the fish. Obedience to God's instructions brings about peace, purpose, and blessings. In Jonah 3:3, we see that Jonah finally goes to Nineveh and delivers the message that God had instructed him to. The result? The entire city of Nineveh repents of their wickedness, and God spares them from destruction.

One of the key benefits of following God's instructions is that it aligns us with His purpose. We begin to fulfill the destiny for which we were created. God’s plans are always good, and He knows what is best for us even when we do not. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Furthermore, when we obey God, we experience peace. Just as Jonah’s storm subsided once he was thrown overboard, the storms in our lives will often calm when we realign ourselves with God’s will. Isaiah 26:3 says, "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Obedience builds trust in God and brings peace that surpasses understanding.

Lastly, obedience to God leads to His divine protection. Even though Jonah was thrown into the sea, God had already prepared a way of escape for him in the form of the great fish. Similarly, when we trust and obey God, we experience His protection and provision in every circumstance. Psalm 32:8-9 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

Practical Steps for Hearing and Obeying God

1. Cultivate a relationship with God through prayer and scripture: Regularly spending time in God's Word and in prayer helps us to recognize His voice when He speaks. John 10:27 says, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."

2. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit: Often, God speaks through the promptings of the Holy Spirit within us. Romans 8:14 says, "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God."

3. Seek godly counsel: Sometimes, God will confirm His word through other believers or mentors. Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”

4. Trust in God's plan even when it seems difficult: Obeying God may sometimes require stepping out in faith, especially when His instructions don’t make sense to our limited understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Conclusion

The story of Jonah illustrates that hearing God and obeying Him brings us into alignment with His plans for our lives. While disobedience can lead to storms of confusion and frustration, God is always merciful, offering us opportunities to return to Him. When we choose to follow His instructions, we experience peace, purpose, and protection. Ultimately, God's plans are for our good, and there is no better way to live the good life than by walking in His will.

May we all develop ears that hear His voice and hearts that are quick to obey. Like Jonah, we may sometimes stray, but God's call remains, and the root of His purpose for us is always in the ground, ready to bear fruit when we return to Him.