Why We Run — Running From God
Week 2 · January 18
Big Idea:
Sometimes we don’t run from problems—we run from God Himself, especially when obedience feels costly, uncomfortable, or inconvenient. What feels like avoidance is often a struggle to trust.
Key Shift:
From avoidance → trust
About This Message:
Not all running looks like rebellion. Sometimes it looks like partial obedience, spiritual language, or staying close to faith—just not close enough to be changed.
Jonah’s story reminds us that you can believe in God, speak for God, and still run from God. We often resist not because we don’t know what God is asking—but because we’re afraid of where obedience might lead.
This message exposes the subtle ways we justify our resistance while still appearing faithful, and it reframes God’s pursuit not as pressure or control, but as mercy. You can run from God—but you cannot outrun His grace. And every step of His pursuit is aimed not at punishment, but restoration.
Obedience may feel threatening when we’re trying to control outcomes. But trust begins when we release control and believe that God’s way—however costly—leads to life.
Practice:
Notice where you may be offering partial obedience instead of full trust this week.
Pray honestly: “God, where am I resisting You—and what would it look like to trust You with the outcome?”
Discussion Questions
Why do you think obedience can sometimes feel threatening instead of life-giving?
In what ways do people try to justify running while still appearing faithful?
How does Jonah’s story challenge the idea that running makes life easier?
What would it look like to trust God with the outcome instead of trying to control it yourself?
Is there an area of your life where God may be inviting you to stop running and respond?