There are alot of things in this world, that are worth working hard at. They are worth the sacrifices that we make and the hardships that we face. Loving others, parenting, marriage, family, spiritual growth, etc. God is excellent and expects His followers to be excellent (doing their best) in all circumstances. Are you doing your best at everything you do? Not just the things like I listed above, but things like: driving carefully (paying full attention to the road, going the speed limit), cleaning your home (yes, even those yucky spots that have been calling your name), answering the phone (with a smile), addressing those around you (not as an inconvenience, but opportunity) - things that we may think of as insignificant, we must still do with the same attitude of doing our best because everything we do can be worship to God.

Now, on to my favorite chapter in Jonah, chapter 3. The Word of the Lord came to Jonah again, "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it the message that I tell you."

Hallelujah, he goes this time! I guess having a near death experience and then being swallowed by a fish can change you mind. He goes into the city and cries out the warning from God, "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!"

Only by the power of the Holy Spirit, all the people believed and called for a fast and put on sackcloth. They believed!! Not only did they believe but even the king of Nineveh arose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. They believed and repented! Praise God for His faithfulness! Praise God that He changed the heart of Jonah so he would obey and these people were saved because of it.

Vs. 10 "When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that He had said He would do to them, and He did not do it."

God has a purpose and a plan for each one of us. We don't always understand His purpose and plan, but we must trust in His faithfulness that He knows what is best for us and those we will come in contact with.

There have been many things that God has asked me to do that I didn't want to do - I was afraid, I would be uncomfortable, I would have to sacrifice something, I might be misunderstood by others, etc. The point is - we must obey. God is the only One who knows the future, we must trust in the One who is trustworthy.

Living fearlessly
Christie