GOD’S MESSAGE YOUR VOICE
Scripture:
“Then the sailors said to him, ‘Tell us on whose account this evil has come upon us. What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? And of what people are you?’” — Jonah 1:8 (ESV)
You know what the problem is when we run from God? We think that we’re minding our business. Jonah did also, but while he hid below deck, the world around him was falling apart because of him. The storm raged, the ship rocked, and the sailors — men who didn’t know God — started asking questions.They didn’t ask each other for answers. They asked Jonah!
That’s the part we can’t miss: God sends us as messengers of his salvation and the world is listening. Even when Jonah wasn’t walking in obedience, they still sensed he carried something different. There was a weight to his presence — a spiritual gravity that made them turn to him when things got real. And that’s true for us today. Whether it’s in your workplace, your classroom, your friend group, or even your family — people are waiting to hear about the God you serve. They’re listening for what comes out of your mouth when life gets hard.
In case you didn't know your response in crisis can preach a sermon without a microphone.
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14)
Your salvation didn't occur just so you can blend in and Jesus didn't offer up his life so you can experience his power once you get to heaven. No, He saved you to stand out. You are His messenger — not by title, but by testimony.
When the storms of life hit our world — war, fear, injustice, hopelessness — people start asking deeper questions: Why is this happening? Is there hope? Does God care? It is in those moments, God sends his ambassadors to bring news of his existence and availability to all. He sends you.
Jonah didn’t realize that even his running couldn’t silence God’s message. The sailors still ended up hearing about the Lord through him. That’s how determined God is to reach the world — He’ll use our reluctance, disobedience, and weakness to speak through us. But imagine what could happen if we stopped running and started responding.What If we lived with intentionality? What if we lived expecting God to use every word we speak, every act of love, every moment of peace in a panicked world, as a message from heaven saying, “God sees you. God loves you. God can save you.”
Paul said, “We are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)
That’s not just for pastors or preachers — it’s for anyone who bears His name.
So today, walk like a messenger.
Speak like someone who’s been sent.
And remember — you don’t have to shout to be heard. The world is already listening.
Reflection Questions:
Who in your life might be watching how you handle the storms right now?
How can you represent God’s message of hope in your everyday conversations this week?
What “ship” has God placed you on — your workplace, family, or community — where He wants you to speak up?