Running Away From God
Jonah 1
1. The Dodgeball of Life
The message compared adult life to an ongoing game of dodgeball—dodging hard conversations, uncomfortable responsibilities, or God’s clear calls.
2. Jonah’s Three Reasons for Running
The sermon suggested Jonah ran because of fear, prejudice/lack of compassion, and desire for control/comfort.
3. Spiritual Sleep vs. Spiritual Alertness
While the storm raged and the pagan sailors were panicking and praying, Jonah was fast asleep below deck—showing a “woeful indifference.”
4. God’s Sticks and Stones of Love
The fairy tale illustrated how God sometimes sends “storms” or discomfort (the sticks and stones in the bed) not to punish us, but to wake us up and rescue us from something far worse.
Prayer/Response
Ask the Lord to show you one "ship to Tarshish" (an escape, distraction, sinful relationship, alcohol) you’ve been boarding lately. Then, if you’re comfortable, share it with the group so we can pray for courage to get off that ship and start running with God instead.
Jonah 1
1. The Dodgeball of Life
The message compared adult life to an ongoing game of dodgeball—dodging hard conversations, uncomfortable responsibilities, or God’s clear calls.
- What is one area in your life right now where you’ve been tempted to “dodge” something God seems to be calling you to face or embrace (a relationship, a decision, a ministry opportunity, or an area of obedience)?
- Why do you think it feels easier to dodge than to catch it?
2. Jonah’s Three Reasons for Running
The sermon suggested Jonah ran because of fear, prejudice/lack of compassion, and desire for control/comfort.
- Which of these three reasons do you most relate to personally, and why?
- Can you share a time when one of these (fear, prejudice, or control) kept you from obeying something you knew God was asking you to do?
3. Spiritual Sleep vs. Spiritual Alertness
While the storm raged and the pagan sailors were panicking and praying, Jonah was fast asleep below deck—showing a “woeful indifference.”
- What are some warning signs in your own life that you might be becoming spiritually “asleep” or indifferent (even while still going through the motions of faith)?
- How have you seen prolonged disobedience lead to spiritual numbness in your life or in someone you know?
4. God’s Sticks and Stones of Love
The fairy tale illustrated how God sometimes sends “storms” or discomfort (the sticks and stones in the bed) not to punish us, but to wake us up and rescue us from something far worse.
- Looking back, can you think of a “storm” or difficult season in your life that you now recognize as God’s pursuing grace or loving discipline?
- How can our group help each other respond well when God sends these “sticks and stones of love” instead of trying to run from them or go back to sleep?
Prayer/Response
Ask the Lord to show you one "ship to Tarshish" (an escape, distraction, sinful relationship, alcohol) you’ve been boarding lately. Then, if you’re comfortable, share it with the group so we can pray for courage to get off that ship and start running with God instead.