In a stirring message titled “Revealed Purpose,” Pastor Clemente Deuzman delved into the story of Jonah and drew out three key lessons that still challenge and inspire us today: The Task – our calling, The Turning Away – the urge to run, and The Tempest – God’s intervention.
The Task
Jonah’s story begins with a clear and daunting mission from God: take a message of repentance to the people of Nineveh. God gives each of us unique tasks and callings, designed with purpose and intentionality. Like Jonah, we’re not called meaninglessly; our abilities and opportunities are tailored to fit a divine plan. God entrusts work that matters—inviting us to actively participate in His design, knowing He will supply the strength to fulfill His assignments.
The Turning Away
Instead of accepting his assignment, Jonah fled in the opposite direction. This act of disobedience is all too familiar—fear, doubt, excuses, or self-disqualification can make us avoid God’s purposes. We might become distracted by comfort, busyness, or the belief that someone else is more qualified. But turning from our calling rarely leads to fulfillment; it simply creates more distance between us and the life God intends.
The Tempest
Jonah’s flight triggered a storm. But the tempest wasn’t a random punishment—it was an act of mercy, designed to redirect Jonah and call him back to God’s will. Life’s storms and setbacks often work this way: they challenge us, get our attention, and create space for us to reconsider and return to God’s path. Through the chaos, God’s grace persists, offering us every opportunity to restart and realign with His purpose.
Reflection
To close, Pastor Clement posed probing questions to help us assess our own journeys:
- When storms come my way, do I see them as punishments or as God’s mercy calling me back to Him?
- Am I responding in obedience or resisting God’s purpose for my life?
- What things in life are hindering or ‘swallowing’ me, like pride, disobedience, or worldly distractions?
- Am I running away from God, or am I running into His arms?
These questions invite us to re-examine our responses to God’s call. Are we open to His purpose, or are we turning away? Are we allowing life’s tempests to guide us back to Him, or are we resisting His grace?
Conclusion
The lessons from Jonah remind us that God’s calling is clear, our responses matter, and every storm can become a redemptive turning point. Let’s discern our tasks, choose obedience over avoidance, and trust that God’s purpose—though sometimes leading through tempests—always leads to transformation and hope.