Are You Running From What God Is Calling You To Do?
A walk through Jonah chapter one that challenges us to stop running from God's call and start surrendering to it.

Paul Durbin • Lead Pastor
August 2, 2026

7 Minute Read

OVERVIEW 👀

Pastor Paul Durbin opens a new series in the book of Jonah, walking us through chapter one and the story of a prophet who knew exactly what God wanted him to do—and ran the other way. Paul reminds us that God still invites regular, rebellion-prone people like us to partner with Him in His work, and that saying yes always beats running away. Through Jonah's storm, the sailors' fear, and Peter's contrasting obedience in Acts, we're challenged to stop running, surrender sooner, and trust that God's mercy keeps offering us another chance to say yes.

174 | Are You Running From What God Is Calling You To Do?

Pastor Paul Durbin opens a new series in the book of Jonah, walking us through chapter one and the story of a prophet who knew exactly what God wanted him to do—and ran the other way. Paul reminds us that God still invites regular, rebellion-prone people like us to partner with Him in His work, and that saying yes always beats running away. Through Jonah's storm, the sailors' fear, and Peter's contrasting obedience in Acts, we're challenged to stop running, surrender sooner, and trust that God's mercy keeps offering us another chance to say yes.

Paul Durbin • 8/2/2026

TIPS 📌

For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you.
You don't need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season.
Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage.

ICEBREAKER(S) 🧊

If you had to flee to a random city tomorrow like Jonah fled to Tarshish, where would you pick and why?

BIBLE PASSAGE(S) 📖

Jonah 1:1-16

1 The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me." 3 But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord. 4 Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. 5 All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. 6 The captain went to him and said, "How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us so that we will not perish." 7 Then the sailors said to each other, "Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity." They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. 8 So they asked him, "Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What kind of work do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?" 9 He answered, "I am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land." 10 This terrified them and they asked, "What have you done?" (They knew he was running away from the Lord, because he had already told them so.) 11 The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, "What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?" 12 "Pick me up and throw me into the sea," he replied, "and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you." 13 Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. 14 Then they cried out to the Lord, "Please, Lord, do not let us die for taking this man's life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, Lord, have done as you pleased." 15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. 16 At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him.

OBSERVATION 🔎

  1. What does the passage tell us about how Jonah physically responds to God's word—where he goes, what he does, and how he acts on the ship?
  2. Notice the sailors in this chapter. How do they change from verse 5 to verse 16, and what causes the change?
  3. What details does the text repeat or emphasize about Jonah "running from the Lord" and about the storm?

APPLICATION 👋

  1. Where in your life right now do you sense God calling you to something you'd rather not do?
    Paul talked about how we often know the thing we're supposed to do but resist it. This question is a chance to get honest about where you feel that pull today.
  2. What's your version of "buying a ticket to Tarshish"—a choice you've made (or are making) to put distance between you and God's call?
    Sometimes we don't outright refuse God; we just steer our life in the opposite direction. Think about jobs, relationships, habits, or distractions.
  3. Have you ever experienced a season where "the path of running got rougher"? What did that look like?
    Paul pointed out that Jonah's escape seemed smooth at first, but eventually his world went haywire. Reflect on how God has used discomfort to get your attention.
  4. When has fear of what people might think kept you from being honest about your rebellion or struggle?
    Paul talked about how pride and fear can keep us stuck. Consider whether there's something you've been hiding that God is inviting you to bring into the light.
  5. Where in your life have you settled for "empty worship"—saying the right words while your heart is somewhere else?
    Jonah told the sailors he worshiped the Lord, but his actions said otherwise. This is a chance to check the gap between what you say and how you're living.
  6. Who around you might be affected by your obedience—or your rebellion—right now?
    Paul reminded us that foolish decisions don't just affect the decider. Think about your family, friends, coworkers, and Belay community.
  7. What "preferred destiny" do you sense God has for you, and what would it look like to say yes to it this week?
    Paul used the phrase "preferred destiny" to describe the life God is inviting you into. Dream a little—what might God do if you fully surrendered?

LIVE ON BELAY 🏔️

  • Identify one area where you've been running from God and confess it out loud to a trusted friend or your house church this week.
  • Reach out to someone God has put on your heart—a text, a call, a coffee—and speak the word of encouragement, apology, or prayer you've been putting off.
  • Ask a Belay'er you trust, "Where do you see me resisting God right now?" and actually listen to their answer without defending yourself.
  • Look for your own "Nineveh" this week—a person or place that's outside your comfort zone—and take one small step toward loving them well.
  • Invite someone who feels far from God to share a meal, a hike, or a Sunday gathering with you, and be ready to share your own story of saying yes.

PRAYER 🙏

  • Ask God to reveal any place in your life where you're running from Him, and give you courage to turn around.
  • Pray for the people your obedience (or disobedience) is affecting—your family, friends, and community—and ask God to bless them through your yes.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to help you say yes sooner, before the storm gets louder.
  • Pray for the "Ninevehs" in your life—people or places that need the good news—and ask God to send you.
  • Thank God for His mercy that keeps offering another chance, and ask Him to help you receive it today.

WORSHIP 🙌


OUTLINE 📝

Main Idea: God keeps inviting ordinary, rebellion-prone people to partner with Him—and the wisest thing we can do is stop running and say yes.

God Invites Regular People Into His Work
  • The invitation goes back to the garden (Genesis 1:28)
  • Isaiah's "Here am I. Send me." (Isaiah 6:8)
  • Jesus extends the same call (Matthew 28:18-19)
Running From God Never Really Works
  • Jonah heads to Tarshish and Joppa
  • Contrast with Paul (from Tarsus) and Peter (sent to Joppa)
  • Saying yes opens doors we couldn't imagine (Acts 11:18)
Rebellion Puts Us on a Fool's Errand
  • Empty worship without obedience
  • Foolish choices pile on foolish choices
  • Fear and pride keep us stuck
Three Takeaways From Jonah 1
  1. Foolish decisions don't just affect the decider
  2. The path of running away doesn't get any smoother (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25)
  3. Even in our stubbornness, God keeps giving invitations to surrender
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From this Author: Paul Durbin
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August 2, 2026 • 7 Minute Read
Are You Running From What God Is Calling You To Do?
OVERVIEW 👀 Pastor Paul Durbin opens a new series in the book of Jonah, walking us through chapter one and the story of a prophet who knew exactly what God wanted him to do—and ran the other way. Paul reminds us that God still invites regular, rebellion-prone people like us to partner with Him in His work, and that saying yes always beats running away. Through Jonah's storm, the sailors' fear, and Peter's contrasting obedience in Acts, we're challenged to stop running, surrender sooner, and trust that God's mercy keeps offering us another chance to say yes.running TIPS 📌 For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you. You don't need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season. Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage. ICEBREAKER(S) 🧊 If you had to flee to a random city tomorrow like Jonah fled to Tarshish, where would you pick and why? BIBLE PASSAGE(S) 📖 Jonah 1:1-16 1 The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me." 3 But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord. 4 Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. 5 All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. 6 The captain went to him and said, "How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us so that we will not perish." 7 Then the sailors said to each other, "Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity." They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. 8 So they asked him, "Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What kind of work do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?" 9 He answered, "I am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land." 10 This terrified them and they asked, "What have you done?" (They knew he was running away from the Lord, because he had already told them so.) 11 The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, "What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?" 12 "Pick me up and throw me into the sea," he replied, "and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you." 13 Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. 14 Then they cried out to the Lord, "Please, Lord, do not let us die for taking this man's life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, Lord, have done as you pleased." 15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. 16 At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him. OBSERVATION 🔎 What does the passage tell us about how Jonah physically responds to God's word—where he goes, what he does, and how he acts on the ship? Notice the sailors in this chapter. How do they change from verse 5 to verse 16, and what causes the change? What details does the text repeat or emphasize about Jonah "running from the Lord" and about the storm? APPLICATION 👋 Where in your life right now do you sense God calling you to something you'd rather not do? Paul talked about how we often know the thing we're supposed to do but resist it. This question is a chance to get honest about where you feel that pull today. What's your version of "buying a ticket to Tarshish"—a choice you've made (or are making) to put distance between you and God's call? Sometimes we don't outright refuse God; we just steer our life in the opposite direction. Think about jobs, relationships, habits, or distractions. Have you ever experienced a season where "the path of running got rougher"? What did that look like? Paul pointed out that Jonah's escape seemed smooth at first, but eventually his world went haywire. Reflect on how God has used discomfort to get your attention. When has fear of what people might think kept you from being honest about your rebellion or struggle? Paul talked about how pride and fear can keep us stuck. Consider whether there's something you've been hiding that God is inviting you to bring into the light. Where in your life have you settled for "empty worship"—saying the right words while your heart is somewhere else? Jonah told the sailors he worshiped the Lord, but his actions said otherwise. This is a chance to check the gap between what you say and how you're living. Who around you might be affected by your obedience—or your rebellion—right now? Paul reminded us that foolish decisions don't just affect the decider. Think about your family, friends, coworkers, and Belay community. What "preferred destiny" do you sense God has for you, and what would it look like to say yes to it this week? Paul used the phrase "preferred destiny" to describe the life God is inviting you into. Dream a little—what might God do if you fully surrendered? LIVE ON BELAY 🏔️ Identify one area where you've been running from God and confess it out loud to a trusted friend or your house church this week. Reach out to someone God has put on your heart—a text, a call, a coffee—and speak the word of encouragement, apology, or prayer you've been putting off. Ask a Belay'er you trust, "Where do you see me resisting God right now?" and actually listen to their answer without defending yourself. Look for your own "Nineveh" this week—a person or place that's outside your comfort zone—and take one small step toward loving them well. Invite someone who feels far from God to share a meal, a hike, or a Sunday gathering with you, and be ready to share your own story of saying yes. PRAYER 🙏 Ask God to reveal any place in your life where you're running from Him, and give you courage to turn around. Pray for the people your obedience (or disobedience) is affecting—your family, friends, and community—and ask God to bless them through your yes. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you say yes sooner, before the storm gets louder. Pray for the "Ninevehs" in your life—people or places that need the good news—and ask God to send you. Thank God for His mercy that keeps offering another chance, and ask Him to help you receive it today. WORSHIP 🙌 OUTLINE 📝 Main Idea: God keeps inviting ordinary, rebellion-prone people to partner with Him—and the wisest thing we can do is stop running and say yes. God Invites Regular People Into His Work The invitation goes back to the garden (Genesis 1:28) Isaiah's "Here am I. Send me." (Isaiah 6:8) Jesus extends the same call (Matthew 28:18-19) Running From God Never Really Works Jonah heads to Tarshish and Joppa Contrast with Paul (from Tarsus) and Peter (sent to Joppa) Saying yes opens doors we couldn't imagine (Acts 11:18) Rebellion Puts Us on a Fool's Errand Empty worship without obedience Foolish choices pile on foolish choices Fear and pride keep us stuck Three Takeaways From Jonah 1 Foolish decisions don't just affect the decider The path of running away doesn't get any smoother (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25) Even in our stubbornness, God keeps giving invitations to surrender

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July 26, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Belay Partners Nurture Unity
Belay Partners Nurture Unity If you're sailing the open seas under a cloudy sky, it can be hard to know which direction you're going. That's why every ship has a compass. One look, and the crew knows whether they're on course or need to make an adjustment. Church life can feel the same way. With ministry developing, relationships forming, and outreach happening, it's easy to lose track of whether things are going as they should. Even when everything looks fine on the surface, how do we really know if we're a healthy church? Is there something on board that can tell us? Something that cuts through the fog and shows us if we're still on course? There is. It's called unity. Unity is the compass of the church—and a healthy church is one that walks in unity. It's what Jesus prayed for: "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." John 17:20–21 (NIV) It's what Paul told us to protect: "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:3 (NIV) Notice the language — make every effort. Unity doesn't just happen. It has to be nurtured and protected. In other words, unity isn't the absence of contention — it’s what we contend for. Conflict is bound to happen. Any time real people do real ministry together, feelings get hurt, lines get crossed, and misunderstandings happen. Yet as those conflicts arise, we make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Jesus gave us the playbook: "If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over." Matthew 18:15 (NIV) Notice what Jesus doesn't say. He doesn't say to vent to your friends, post about it online, or quietly pull away. He says to go — directly, humbly, privately — and work it out. That's how unity gets protected. That's how a church stays healthy. Check the Compass When we nurture unity, we're checking the compass. We're asking: Are we still walking together? Are there fractures to mend? Conversations to have? Forgiveness to offer? A partnership that never checks the compass drifts. A partnership that checks it often stays on course. Keep Us Pointed True Belay Partners nurture unity. Not because we expect everything to be smooth, but because we know unity is worth the effort. When Partners guard the unity of the church, we’re staying true with the compass—and the whole ship keeps heading where Jesus is leading. So let's keep watch. Let's do the hard work of reconciliation when it's needed. And let's stay united, so the world may believe in Him. Next Post in the Partner-Ship Series:Embrace

Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor

July 26, 2026 • 7 Minute Read
Where Will Your Name Appear in the Credits?
OVERVIEW 👀 In this closing message from Colossians, Pastor Paul Durbin walks Belay'ers through the final verses of Paul's letter—the part most of us skip like movie credits. But hidden in those names are seven roles that make a church thrive: testimony teller, unity bringer, relationship restorer, prayer warrior, faithful healer, helpful host, and mission completer. Paul invites us to picture the credits rolling on our own lives and asks the honest question: which of these roles will our name appear beside?credits TIPS 📌 For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you. You don't need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season. Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage. ICEBREAKER(S) 🧊 Do you stay for the credits at the movies, or are you out the door the second the screen goes dark? Why? BIBLE PASSAGE(S) 📖 Colossians 4:7-18 7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. 10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. 17 Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord." 18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. OBSERVATION 🔎 Paul lists a lot of names here. What descriptive words or phrases does he attach to each person, and what stands out about the way he talks about them? What specific actions or contributions do these people make to Paul's ministry, and how do those contributions differ from one person to the next? In verse 17, Paul sends a direct word to Archippus. What does the wording of that message suggest about Archippus' situation, and why might Paul say it publicly through this letter? APPLICATION 👋 Where in your everyday conversations are you most tempted to slide from testimony into gossip, and what would it look like to catch yourself and turn the corner? This is less about big sins and more about the small tone shifts in our talk about coworkers, family, or other Belay'ers. Onesimus took a huge risk to walk back into a broken relationship. Is there a relationship in your life where you've been "running by geography"—hoping distance will fix it Sometimes we change jobs, churches, or friend groups instead of stepping into the harder work of repair. Who in your life needs someone willing to do a little sleuthing and take initiative to restore a broken relationship? Could that person be you? Restoration rarely happens by accident. It usually takes one person willing to make the first awkward move. When was the last time you said "I'll pray for you" and then didn't? What would change if you swapped that phrase for "Can I pray for you right now?" Praying on the spot feels vulnerable at first, but it turns a polite line into a real moment. Luke stayed. Demas left. In the current season of your life, which one are you more like, and why? Faithfulness is usually tested in the unglamorous middle stretch, not the exciting beginning. What space has God given you—a home, an apartment, a backyard, a lunch table at work—that could become a place where ministry happens? Helpful hosts don't need big houses. They just need open doors and a willingness to make room. Is there a "ministry you have received" that you've set down—a call, a burden, a project, a dream? What would it look like to pick it back up this week? God rarely reassigns something He's clearly put on your heart. Sometimes He's just waiting for you to start again. LIVE ON BELAY 🏔️ Text or call three people this week and share a specific "gold" you see in them—something good God is doing in or through their life. Identify one broken or distant relationship and take one small step toward restoration: a text, a call, a Culver's meet-up. Retire the phrase "I'll pray for you" for the next 30 days and replace it with "Can I pray for you right now?" Open your home (or your table, or your backyard) once this month for a meal, a study, or just hanging out with someone outside your usual circle. Write down the "ministry" or assignment you sense God has given you, and take one concrete step toward it this week—even if it's small. PRAYER 🙏 Ask God to help you become a testimony teller—someone whose words consistently build up rather than tear down. Pray for a specific broken relationship in your life, and ask God to show you your part in the restoration. Ask the Spirit to make you a real prayer warrior, not just someone who says the words. Pray for the Belay'ers around you—that our church would be full of faithful healers, not hurtful deserters. Ask God to remind you of any ministry you've set down, and to give you courage to pick it back up. WORSHIP 🙌 OUTLINE 📝 Main Idea: The final verses of Colossians read like movie credits—and hidden in those names are seven roles that help a church thrive. Testimony Tellers (Tychicus) Share the good news, not gossip Look for the gold in people Choose positive talk over negative Unity Bringers (Onesimus) Take risks to build bridges Stop running from conflict Step into painful situations Relationship Restorers (Paul & Mark) Try again when it seems hopeless Sometimes we play the role, sometimes we need someone to play it for us Bury the hatchet, do the hard work of repair Prayer Warriors (Epaphras) Wrestle in prayer for others Stop saying "I'll pray for you"—start praying on the spot Real intercession is hard work Faithful Healers (Luke) Stay close, don't desert Be a healing presence, not a Demas Listen to the Spirit's promptings to reach out Helpful Hosts (Nympha) Open your space for the gospel Use what you have, not what you don't Ministry often happens around a table Mission Completers (Archippus) Don't quit when you get sidetracked Pick back up what God has assigned you Complete the ministry you've received Takeaway: One day the credits will roll on your life—may your name appear beside every one of these seven roles.

Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor

July 25, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Is Your Speech Salty Enough?
"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt." (Colossians 4:6) I love that Paul used salt as the picture. Because salt does four things—and they all say something about how we're supposed to talk. Salt is savory. It makes bland things delightful. Salt adds value—it was so precious in the ancient world that people used it as currency (that's actually where the word "salary" comes from). Salt limits decay. And salt makes you thirsty. So here's the question worth chewing on: When people walk away from a conversation with you, what do they feel? Do they feel like their time was worth it? Do they feel like something in them woke up? Do they leave a little more thirsty for Jesus—even if they can't quite name why? Most of us don't think about our conversations that carefully. We just talk. But the people around you—your coworker, your neighbor, the barista, your kids—they're eating whatever you're serving. And Paul says: make it worth their time. You don't have to preach. You don't have to have all the right verses ready. Just let your words carry a little of Jesus with them. A little grace. A little truth. A little salt. People are hungry. And your conversation might be the meal.Salt

Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor

July 25, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Belay Partners Embody
Belay Partners Embody Every ship flies a flag. That flag tells everyone watching who the ship belongs to, where it comes from, and what it stands for. As we keep building our Partner-ship at Belay, embodying is like flying a ship's flag. As each Partner embraces our vision, mission, values, and beliefs, we become a ship sailing under the same flag. And here's the thing about a flag: it doesn't just fly over the captain. When you step on board, every Partner sails under it. Paul put it this way to the Corinthians: "You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." 2 Corinthians 3:2–3 (NIV) People are reading us. They're getting their sense of who Belay is—not from a website, logo, or a pastor’s sermon—but from the Partners who walk out the front door every Sunday and live on mission. Know What You're Flying You can't embody what you don't know. God told Habakkuk: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it." Habakkuk 2:2 (NIV) That's why Partners take time to actually understand Belay's vision, mission, values, and beliefs.About Us Live What You're Flying Knowing is step one. Living it is step two. James said it like this: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22 (NIV) A flag that doesn't match the crew it flies would feel like a deception. Imagine a pirate ship flying the flag of a mercy ship! But when a Partner's life lines up with the heartbeat of Belay, our flag—the embodiment of our values in the life of a partner—becomes a symbol of hope to world that needs it. Raise the Flag Belay Partners Embody. Just as a ship raises its flag, Belay partners familiarize themselves with, actively support, and personally embody Belay's vision, mission, values, and beliefs. Embody the vision. Raise the flag. Next Post in the Partner-Ship Series:Respond

Paul Durbin

Lead Pastor