I am very certain that you would agree with me that there are times when life turns ‘left’ when you’d hoped it would go ‘right’. Well, I know all too well. I had recently been given news that I was not all too happy about. And I must admit that I was very disappointed. In my disappointment I felt ‘filthy’ so I ran to GOD. I wrestled with the idea of having to do things, deal with people and go places that were completely out of my comfort zone. I mean life had been going pretty well, then… This!

My friend, there are times when the plans we set and the life we envisioned don’t quite pan out the way we’d hoped. We may have come to establish a rhythmic lifestyle that appears to take us in a certain direction. Or we may have come to believe that life would run smoothly, our plans would be accomplished, and we’d comfortably sail into the sunset. But, this is not always the case because GOD, in His omniscience, may interrupt these plans to show us that He has bigger, better and more dynamic plans (Isaiah 55:8-9). Often times these plans do not look, sound or feel as we thought or hoped and this may cause us to worry, stress, and panic. We may even find ourselves doing things to avoid these unexpected, undesirable, but inevitable changes.

This reminds me of our biblical friend Jonah. Whatever plans Jonah had arranged for his life were disrupted when GOD told him to ‘get up and go to the city of Nineveh.’ We learn that instead of obeying Jonah ran in the opposite direction. He had refused to go to Nineveh, a city known to be powerful and wicked, because He did not like the people of the city. Jonah eventually finds himself in a tight situation (belly of a fish) where he surrenders and is given another chance. In his obedience we see that while in Nineveh Jonah is used mightily by GOD and witnesses the miracle of the entire city being saved and their lives are spared. (Jonah 1-4)

Nineveh is not necessarily a place of comfort but a place where there is a need of your presence. Nineveh is a place you do not understand, a place you do not have all of the answers and a place of potential conflict (personal or otherwise). It is outside of your comfort zone and definitely not your first place of choice. But Nineveh is absolutely, positively necessary.

So, my friend what is your place of Nineveh? What situation(s) are you fighting and avoiding knowing it is where you must go or what you must do? Is it an unexpected change in employment or location? Or have you been placed in a hostile home or work environment? Perhaps, it’s the moving towards forgiving the unforgivable? Or maybe it’s humbling yourself and asking for forgiveness from someone you’ve deeply wounded? Could it be that GOD has asked you to surrender your grasp on something that no longer serves Him? Or maybe GOD has called you to preach to those who are hostile towards the things of GOD?

Whatever your Nineveh represents you’re going to need the grace of GOD to endure and overcome. But GOD is faithful and He would not send you there unless He knew that you could handle the pressure, the calling, and accomplish it’s purpose. Your presence in your Nineveh is bigger and greater than you. You see when GOD sends you to Nineveh He has already made a way for you (Isaiah 42:16). He knows the beginning from the end (Isaiah 46:10) and He is a GOD of generations (Genesis 17:7, Psalm 146:10). When He sees you He sees those who are connected to you. Your obedience may open doors of favor for your children and generations to come, bring salvation to your family members, change the hearts of your enemies, or even shed light on the love of Jesus in your city or beyond.

GOD has equipped you with every single thing you need to accomplish your task at Nineveh (2 Corinthians 3:6, 2 Timothy 3:17). You will come to see that Nineveh will turn out to be your biggest challenge but also your greatest blessing. It will exceed your expectations and you will find yourself experiencing the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7), a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:6), and a clearer understanding of your GODly purpose.

My friend, it’s time to stop running and humble yourself before GOD. Surrender your fear of the unknown to Him and allow Him to guide and direct you confidently and boldly into your Nineveh. Let Him take you by the hand and lead you into the place of your blessings and breakthrough. I know it’s scary. Boy, do I know. Believe me, fear has caused me to retreat one too many times. But I tell you that this is not a time to retreat. It is a time to trust Him like never before because you’ll need Him like never before (Proverbs 3:5-6). While in Nineveh, if you would stay close to Him He will reveal Himself to you in mighty ways and show you spectacular things that are to come (Jeremiah 33:3). He desires for you to receive His revelatory guidance and direction because you’ll need it. GOD has extraordinary plans for you there (Jeremiah 29:11). I see it! And I promise that you will be beyond amazed at what GOD is going to do for, to and through you.

I truly hope this message blesses you. On your way to Nineveh I see you surrendering, fasting, praying and committing to being used by GOD no matter how difficult the task. And with this you will accomplish more than you can ever imagine and reap more than you ever desired! GOD is going to blow your mind. Now say it with me, “Nineveh, here we come!”