Walking by Faith: Jonah – Learning to Obey After Running Away

When God called, Jonah didn’t just hesitate—he ran the other way. 

It wasn’t confusion or lack of clarity. Jonah knew exactly what God had said. But instead of obeying, he bought a ticket in the opposite direction and boarded a ship to escape. 

That’s what makes Jonah’s story so honest. It shows us that even people of faith can resist God’s call. But it also shows something even more important: God doesn’t give up on His people. He meets us in our rebellion, redirects our path, and invites us back into obedience. 

Walking by faith isn’t always about instant obedience. Sometimes, it begins after we’ve turned around. 

A Clear Call—and a Clear Refusal 

“Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah… ‘Arise, go to Nineveh…’ But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.” (Jonah 1:1–3) 

God’s instruction was simple: go to Nineveh and preach against its wickedness. But Jonah didn’t want to go. Nineveh was the capital of Assyria—Israel’s enemy—and Jonah didn’t want to see them receive mercy. 

So instead of heading east to Nineveh, Jonah sailed west to Tarshish. He wasn’t confused. He was defiant. 

This part of Jonah’s story reminds us that spiritual resistance can be subtle. We may not board a ship, but we delay, justify, or tune out God’s voice when it pushes against our comfort. 

The Storm That Stops Him 

Jonah didn’t get far. God sent a storm so violent that even seasoned sailors panicked. Jonah, ironically, slept through most of it—until they woke him up to pray. 

When the sailors learned he was running from God, Jonah told them to throw him overboard. It was an admission of guilt and surrender. The sea calmed, and Jonah sank beneath the waves. 

“And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah.” (Jonah 1:17) 

God’s discipline wasn’t meant to punish him. It was meant to rescue. In the belly of the fish, Jonah finally prayed. 

A Heart Turned Back 

Inside the fish, Jonah cried out—not with polished words, but with desperation: 

“I called out to the Lord… and he answered me.” (Jonah 2:2) 

Jonah didn’t deserve a second chance, but God gave him one. The fish vomited him onto dry land, and once again, God said: “Arise, go to Nineveh.” 

This time, Jonah obeyed. 

His obedience may not have been joyful, but it was real. He preached a simple message, and to his surprise, the entire city repented. From the king to the cattle, Nineveh turned to God. 

Jonah had feared that God might show mercy. And that’s exactly what happened. 

The Struggle with Grace 

“That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish… for you are a gracious God and merciful.” (Jonah 4:2) 

Even after revival broke out, Jonah sat outside the city, angry. He had obeyed outwardly, but inwardly, he still struggled. He wanted justice, not mercy. He wanted Nineveh to be judged, not forgiven. 

God responded with a question: “Do you do well to be angry?” 

He gently challenged Jonah’s heart, using a plant, a worm, and the heat of the sun to teach him compassion. The story ends without resolution. Jonah is still wrestling with God’s mercy. 

That’s part of walking by faith too. Obedience doesn’t always mean full understanding. It often means continuing to walk while your heart catches up. 

What Jonah’s Journey Means for Ours 

You may have a calling you’ve resisted. A conversation you’ve avoided. A place God is leading you that you don’t want to go. 

Jonah’s story shows that delayed obedience is still disobedience—but it also shows that God is patient. He doesn’t give up when we run. He sends storms, grace, and second chances to draw us back. 

Even reluctant obedience can become real obedience in God’s hands. 

Final Encouragement 

Jonah teaches us that God’s mercy is not just for others. It’s for us too. 

If you’ve been running, it’s not too late to turn around. God is ready to meet you with grace. He hasn’t written you off. He’s still calling, still inviting, still pursuing. 

So stop running. Say yes. Step forward in faith—even if it’s one hesitant step at a time. 

Because walking by faith sometimes begins with a U-turn.