Seeing Jonah in the Mirror
God is bringing unexpected opportunities into my life. I’ve been asked to speak at several different women’s events. I’ve been a public speaker for a number of years, but I have generally spoken about counseling, adolescent issues, or parenting issues.
Now God is moving me into a different arena (for a time at least). He is challenging me as well. He is calling me to see how he works in me in a different way. I’m comfortable talking about counseling and related issues. It is my sweet spot. Now He is asking me to talk more directly about spiritual issues. I’m not nearly as comfortable talking about my relationship with Him and allowing other people to see the spiritual intimacy I share with God.
I’ve said I’m very much like Jonah.
When I look in the mirror I see Jonah.
I like it better when God let’s me stay in comfortable places. When he wants to move me, I dig in my heels and tell Him “No thank you!” God opens the door and invites me, I emphatically reach out and close the door. Finally God opens a window and grabs me by my collar and yanks me through the window. Frequently, I have to take a spin around in the belly of a fish for awhile before I set about the task God has called me to.
Right now in my life, I want God to leave me in roles where I am comfortable. I want him to let me hide behind my professional expertise. I want to hide the parts of me that are most connected to Him. I’ve always had difficulty praying with close friends because I feel so spiritually and emotionally vulnerable.
You see God has sheltered me and walked me through some incredibly difficult places. He has provided everything David described in Psalms 23. He has grabbed me when I have been in a complete free fall. He has cradled me in his arms and comforted me when nothing else could touch my grief. He has wiped my tears when the tears of hurting children have drained my hope and stamina.
Now He wants me to talk about Him.
He wants me to describe the times when I have been in His presence.
It doesn’t get more intimate than that.
He is asking a lot.
I’m seeing Jonah in the mirror.
Dr. Robinson… from the first time I was in your class, I knew that your relationship with the Father ran strong and deep… I couldn’t ever describe it, but I felt the connection… I’m excited to know He’s calling you into this b/c I know He’s equipped you with all you need! I know that He will speak thru you as He did to me in your class. Hope to have the opportunity to hear it sometime. God bless you as follow His leading!