At CONNECT we are in the second week of our series, "I Will Not" in which we are discussing why it is difficult at times to follow God. This study in based in the book of Jonah and this week's message is entitled "Misplaced Hope". The focus here is that it becomes difficult to follow God when we place our hope in things that cannot satisfy or bring completion to our lives. Being that our lives then lack hope, we say "I will not" when God calls for faith. The following is a summary of "I Will Not" part two...
I have at times placed my hope in the wrong places, people,things and occurrences. This has led to frustration and a lack of effectiveness, even to the point where saying no to God is a temptation. When we do this, we lose the hope that trouble will turn to good. We also lose our hope in God and say, “I WILL NOT”. Though Jonah may not be the perfect example of faith and courage, in him we can see a man that placed the hope of his survival in the mercy of God. This is revealed in his prayer recorded in Jonah chapter two.
We observe here that Jonah still had hope because he has not given himself to the worship of idols.
o He acknowledged that his distress was from God. V.1-3
o He had hope that he again would be in the presence of God. V.4
o He had hope of his life being spared. V.5-7
We also see in a key statement from Jonah that when you trust in that which cannot help, you are forfeiting the hope that comes from a loving relationship with God. In Jonah’s day his issue may have been worshiping other gods, but it can also apply to us today when we trust in anything other than God. Instead of this we must, when in the middle of a difficulty, go to the middle of God’s Word. Psalm 118:8 states, "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man"(ESV).
We must also remember to put our trust in the Holiness of Christ. As Peter reminds us in his epistle. He writes in 1 Peter 3:13-17, "Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; 16 yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil"(ESV).
Hoping you will say "I Will" to God,
Pastor Paul
