I was once like Jonah. I heard God clearly on a matter but I chose to ignore and did exactly the opposite. While on campus, I knew by inward witness that the relationship was not meant to be but I ignored it.
After ignoring inward witness, I heard God audibly on the same matter but I delayed my obedience until I lost my peace and spiritual energy. I remember a sister told me to be patient with God about that relationship but I dismissed her counsel because I felt she was jealous since she was not in any relationship. I wished I had obeyed God earlier.
God gave Jonah a clear instruction to go to Nineveh to declare his impending judgement. Instead of going to Nineveh, he boarded a ship going to Tarshish. The opening text says, "But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction..."
We are familiar with the story of Jonah and it needs no retelling. From our days in the children church, we know this story. So fascinating! However, there are numerous lessons we can draw from his story.
Some are like Jonah. They heard God clearly on a matter but because of the stubborness of their hearts, they moved in the opposite direction. People in that category end up in regrets. Sometimes, people move in the opposite direction because they feel where God is leading/sending them has no benefit.
Why do some believers think a loving God will work against their interest? Jesus says, “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? [10] Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! [11] So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him"( Mt 7:9-11).
God doesn't always provide a fish to swallow those who refuse to go to Nineveh. What he did for Jonah, he might not do for you If you move in the opposite direction.