You're Not Struggling With God's Will, You're Struggling to Obey

Main message: The sermon warns that the dangerous turning point in Jonah’s story is “but Jonah” — when a person hears God’s clear will and chooses his own way instead. It contrasts this with the hope-filled phrase “but God,” showing that while God can step in powerfully, running from Him always leads downward and hurts others.

Key points:

• “But God” is a biblical phrase of hope: God steps into human mess, brings mercy, gives strength, saves sinners, and provides escape.
• “But Jonah” is the opposite: man resisting God, choosing his own will, and trying to flee God’s presence.
• Everyone has the potential to run from God, and it usually starts with one small disobedient decision.
• Running from God is a personal choice; people can’t blame God, others, or circumstances.
• Disobedience may feel safe or even successful for a season, but it is deceptive and temporary.
• Running from God causes collateral damage to the people around us and leads only downward, not upward.
• God may use severe mercy to wake a person up and bring them back to obedience.

Scriptures mentioned: Jonah 1, Genesis 50:20, Psalm 73:26, Romans 5:8, Ephesians 2:4-5, 1 Corinthians 3:6, 1 Corinthians 10:13