My Ninevah

Tonight my youth minister spoke on the story of Jonah. Even non-believers are familiar with this story.

 

God calls Jonah to go to the most sinful and wicked city around.....Ninevah. Jonah is afraid and runs in the opposite direction. God allows a huge fish to swallow Jonah and then spit him out after 3 days. God calls Jonah again to go to Nineveh and Jonah goes begrudgingly. Jonah prophesies and the people repent.

 

Cool story, right? It still relates us today. Each of us have or will have our own "Ninevah." It may not be a foreign country, but it will be a place out of our comfort zone.

 

God may call us to go somewhere or talk to someone where our faith, reputation, and ego may be put on the line. We will have to trust in God and know that He has a plan, no matter how bad things may seem.

 

This got me thinking about my Ninevah.

 

This summer I will be working at Boy Scout Camp. It is called Boy Scout Camp because it is for....well....boys. That means that the majority of the staff are guys too. So I am one of maybe 4-5 gals.

 

I have very little experience teaching this age group and I know maybe 6 people.....tops.

 

I will be analyzed and watched constantly because I kind of stick out, not only as a newbie, but as a female.

 

I will be surrounded by many different types of people and be put in many different circumstances and scenarios.

 

However I believe that God has opened doors and called me here. Yes, I question my decision a couple times a day, at least. Yes, I am terrified, excited, and a bit crazy. Yes, there are much easier ways I could spend my summer.

 

Instead, I choose this. I choose to go to Ninevah. It is crazy....crazy enough that I know that the idea could not be my own.

 

Doors have opened for me to get more experience with this age group. Doors have opened for necessary training. Doors have opened for me to be in this place at this time. I cannot ignore that!

 

Despite the uncertainty of it all, the God I serve holds me and all my steps. I can be afraid but I will not live afraid.

 

God is calling me to face my Ninevah and I will go!

 

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1