God said to Jonah, “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me” (Jonah 1:2).

Jonah didn’t go to Nineveh—at least not at first. He ran away and went to Tarshish (verse 3).

But God didn’t throw his hands up and move on to someone else. He didn’t give up on him. He pursued Jonah, who eventually went to Nineveh.

This is one of God’s consistent characteristics: He takes the initiative, even after you mess up. This is very good news because his pursuit of us—and his care for us—is not dependent on us having it all together. 

Phew!

God is a God of pursuit.

I’m not saying you should therefore keep running. Or that you shouldn’t address the sin in your life. Or that you should adopt a casual attitude toward his will. For the record, I think you should turn to him, live holy and loving lives, and seek his will.

But God cares for you—even when you’ve been uncaring. He is seeking you out—even if you’ve become lax in your search for him. And he is ready and willing to use you to bless others—even if there have been times in your life when you’ve been less than ready and willing to be his hands and feet.

Perfection is not necessary. And a spotless track record is not mandatory.

God runs after us even when we run away from him.

Rejoice. Welcome him. Receive and share the hope in your Father’s heart.

Our God is a God of pursuit.

By Matthew Ruttan

–My most recent sermon is called, “Forging ahead when you feel like a failure.” You can watch it on YouTube here.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.