July 1 – Reading 182

JULY 1 – Reading 182

by Yasmin Rosado | July 1

“YOU CAN RUN BUT YOU CAN’T HIDE”
(Jonah 1:1-4:11)

“But Jonah rose 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, away from the presence of the Lord.” – Jonah 1:3

When my boys were younger, one of their favorite games was hide and seek. They would shout, “Mommy, try to find me!” before ducking behind a couch or underneath their covers. Their little feet or giggles always gave them away. I always knew exactly where they were. Still, I played along, because they found so much joy in being found.

Jonah thought he could do the same thing with God, run away and hide. When the Lord called him to go to Nineveh, Jonah fled as far as he could in the opposite direction to Tarshish, hoping to escape the Lord’s presence. But as Scripture clearly teaches us in Psalms 139:7, “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” Jonah quickly discovered what the psalmist already knew, no one can truly hide from the sovereign and omnipresent God.  

Jonah’s decision to run didn’t catch God off guard, nor did it cancel the calling placed on his life. Rather, God’s grace followed him, through the raging storm, into the belly of the fish, and all the way back to the path he was meant to walk. God’s mercy remained unwavering, extended not only to the people of Nineveh but also to the defiant prophet himself. Even in Jonah’s rebellion, God was at work, shaping his heart and revealing His patience. This story reminds us that divine purpose is not easily derailed by human failure.

Simple Truth:
You can run from God’s calling, but you can never escape His presence or His grace.

Reflections:

• Are you resisting something God has clearly asked you to do?
• What “Tarshish” are you sailing toward to avoid God’s calling?

Application:

• Identify areas of disobedience or fear in your life.
• Reflect on God’s mercy and patience in your own journey.
• Take one step today toward obedience, even if it’s uncomfortable.
• Remember: God’s calling comes with His presence and power.

Closing Prayer…
Lord, thank You for pursuing me even when I run. Forgive me for the times I’ve resisted Your will. Help me to trust Your plans and walk in obedience. Teach me to see Your grace not as a burden, but as a blessing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.