Trust fall

            Have you seen the video of a failed trust fall? You know the one where all the friends line up behind a person and she is to trust them to catch her but instead of falling backwards, she falls forward. It makes me laugh when I see it and then scratch my head in wonder how anyone could be so foolish.
            It dawned on me today that Christians actually do this figuratively quite frequently. We say we trust God but when he puts us in a position we aren’t comfortable with we don’t trust him, we fall forward on our faces. The story that comes to mind is Jonah; talk about a trust fall failure! The book of Jonah begins with; “The word of the Lord came to Jonah.” That is a serious directive and what does Jonah do? The exact opposite of what God asked him to do, God said Ninevah and Jonah said Tarshish. As one continues to read the book we see how God eventually gets His way. Ninevah needed to hear the word of God to turn from their evil ways, God desired their salvation. Jonah already determined that it would be a waste of time.
            Jonah eventually realizes that God will not be denied. Although it took a near ship wreck and three days in the belly of a big fish. (Slow learner) After being vomited up on shore, he concedes to God’s plan. So Jonah gives the word of God to Ninevah and they actually listen, repent of their evil and turn to God. Now, here is the topper to the story. Instead of finding satisfaction in following God’s directive and saving an entire city; Jonah goes outside the city and pouts because God showed compassion on Ninevah.  Can you believe it? The book of Jonah is only 4 short chapters, read it for yourself.
            There is a great deal to take away from this. First of all, (as the saying goes) if God brings you to it, He will bring you through it – trust fall. Secondly, God WILL bring you to things that he wants you do – trust fall. Thirdly, going against God will lead to no good – trust fall. Finally, even if we complete his tasks, kicking and screaming, He loves us – trust fall.
            Remember to fall into God’s arms, it is far more comfortable than falling flat on your face.

Proverbs 3:5, 6 “Trust in the Lord your God and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.”

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