Don't Spend Your Summer In Tarshish

Try saying “Tarshish” 12 times as fast as you can.

That’s what we did this past Sunday in Mosaic Kids as we “jumped” into our lesson through the book of Jonah. It’s been a few days since then, but Jonah’s story has continued to stick with me. It’s easy to reduce Jonah to a whale and a storm, but underneath it is a very real picture of what we all wrestle with at times: running from God.

Sometimes we run with our feet like Jonah did, avoiding the thing God is clearly calling us toward. Other times, we stay physically present, but internally we’ve checked out. We pull back from growth, obedience, serving, forgiving, or stepping into the places where God is inviting us to trust Him more deeply. And if we’re honest, summer can make that easier. So much slows down this time of year — and if we aren’t careful, our spiritual lives can drift into that same rhythm. But maybe this summer could become something different.

This summer is as great a time as any to make intentional discipleship deposits. We all have vacations, camps, pool days, late nights, packed calendars and commitments ahead, but have you thought about how you’re going to intentionally pursue depth in your relationship with God, with His people, and on His mission?

Spiritual growth rarely happens accidentally. It takes prayerful intentionality. It’s easy to avoid the opportunities that stretch us, challenge us, or require commitment, but Jonah’s story reminds us that we can’t outrun God’s love or His plans for our lives. I know our Mosaic Students have a number of discipleship opportunities over the next few months. If you click here you can see some of the ways our Students are pursuing spiritual growth this summer, and find out ways to join!

As you look ahead to your summer plans, take a moment to consider how you can create space for spiritual growth — whether through time in God’s Word, committing to new routines of spiritual disciples and habits, having meaningful conversations, serving others, or getting more connected in our church community. There are discipleship opportunities all around us: in our hearts, in our homes, in our groups, in our neighborhoods, and even in the ordinary rhythms of summer. Our prayer is that this season would be filled not just with rest and fun, but with deeper joy in walking with Jesus together.

Instead of focusing on where you’ve run or how you may have “jumped ship” — meditate on Jonah 4:2: “For I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.” Say that 12 times fast, and maybe it’ll sink into your heart quicker than it did Jonah’s.

You don’t have to spend your summer in Tarshish. God is able to carry you from running to resting right where He wants you. So ask yourself: am I running from God or walking with Him?

‍Wherever you are — Joppa, Nineveh, or your own neighborhood — it’s never too far for God’s grace to find you.