Encouragement for Today

June 5, 2025 Following God With All Your Heart KAREN WINGATE Lee en español

“And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?” Jonah 4:11 (NIV)

I was, for the most part, an obedient child. But I still had ways of expressing resistance. I’d delay obedience until I heard my parents call my name a third time, then drag my feet into the room with my shoulders slumped. My body language communicated, I’m doing this because you asked me to, but I would rather be somewhere else.

The prophet Jonah had a rebellious streak too. When God sent him to Nineveh, the capital city of his enemies in Assyria, Jonah boarded a boat headed in the opposite direction. God stopped the boat with a storm, and the terrified sailors threw Jonah overboard. Then God had a large fish swallow him … and deposit him in the right direction to try again.

This time, Jonah obeyed. But the fourth chapter of the book of Jonah reveals his heart was not in the mission. He was bitter about God’s mercy toward the Assyrians. Jonah made it clear he did not want to follow God’s leading.

Many of us who call ourselves believers aren’t outright defiant like Jonah, but like I did as a child, we may drag our feet, get distracted, or inwardly wish for another task than what our heavenly Father assigns. We balk because we feel insecure in our own abilities, uncomfortable mingling with people different from us, or doubtful that God will do His promised part.

Still, God daily invites us to join Him in His work. This includes showing kindness, forgiving and serving others, and boldly proclaiming His message of salvation. So what’s the secret to following God’s leading?

Jonah 4:11 gives the answer: “And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”

God invited Jonah to share His concern for lost people. He wanted the prophet to see that the Israelites’ enemies were needy for God like anyone else.

God is interested in who we are as much as what we do. He wants us to do more than just serve others; He wants us to love those we serve, just as He does. If we view others through His eyes and with His heart, we will be far less likely to resist His calling.

What is the Holy Spirit of God asking you to do today?

If you’re feeling a bit reluctant, ask the Lord to strengthen your trust in Him and your love for the people He calls you to serve. When you say “yes,” you’ll step into His will for you, confident that He will empower you to do all He has asked.

Father God, forgive me when I have not obeyed You wholeheartedly. Give me Your passion and compassion so I can fully join You in Your work. Lead me once again. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Every detour, every delay — it’s all part of God’s plan to lead you exactly where you need to go. When life takes unexpected turns, Jonah’s story shows us that God’s grace doesn’t just redirect us; it transforms us. If you’re ready to discover how God uses even the toughest moments for His greater purpose, download the First 5 app and dive into our free study of Jonah!

Find more ways to hear God’s voice through the sounds He has put on this earth in Karen’s book With Open Ears: 60 Reflections on the Wonder of Sound from a Woman Born Blind.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (NIV).

Where do you feel yourself hesitating to obey God? Ask Him to reveal to you why and to reaffirm your trust in His greater plan — then commit to follow where He leads you.

Let’s also encourage each other in the comments!

© 2025 by Karen Wingate. All rights reserved.