But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord … (Jonah 1:3, NLT)

What’s keeping you from pursuing your God-given dream?  Is it your past?  Is it a lack of resources?  Perhaps you’re like the prophet Jonah.  Your potential success hinders you from going for it.

Jonah received a clear mandate from God: go to Nineveh and tell them to stop doing evil.  Instead of listening to God immediately, Jonah went to Tarshish.  His actions were not rooted in cruelty or busyness.  Look at what Jonah shared about his decision: “I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.  You are eager to turn back from destroying people” (Jonah 4:2, NLT).  Jonah ran because he knew his efforts would successfully change the people in Nineveh and abort God’s pending punishment.  He was afraid of his own success.

Maybe you’re running from an amazing opportunity for the same reason.  Maybe your excuse sounds like this, “But I’m not ready to handle all of the clientele or success that will result from this idea.”  Your success is exactly why God chose you.  He knew you would succeed, greatly!  So, stop procrastinating and go!  Like Jonah, someone’s success depends on your willingness to submit to God’s will and go.  Go, and watch God work through your idea to change the world!