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Bible Characters Who Ran Away From God – Viral Believer
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Bible Characters Who Ran Away From God

You likely know the most famous stories of Bible characters like Moses, David, and Paul who courageously followed God’s calling. But the Bible also includes many accounts of people who initially ran from God’s plans for their lives.

As we study these stories, we can take comfort knowing that God patiently works with imperfect servants. We also see that running away ultimately fails and that God graciously pursues even the most reluctant followers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jonah tried fleeing from God’s command to preach in Nineveh but ended up getting swallowed by a large fish
  • Moses felt inadequate for God’s task and even asked God to send someone else instead
  • Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery because they resented God’s prophetic dreams given to Joseph
  • Saul actively persecuted the church before his dramatic conversion while traveling to Damascus
  • Elijah fell into depression and burned out after great spiritual victories, begging God to end his life
  • John Mark abandoned Paul during his first missionary journey, only to later write the Gospel of Mark

You may relate to some of these stories. Whether struggling with doubt, disobedience, burnout or other issues, take heart because God never gives up on drawing people close to Himself. He can overcome and use anyone.

Bible Characters Who Ran Away From God

Jonah Tries Fleeing God’s Command

Jonah is likely the most famous Bible character who deliberately ran from following God’s will. Out of all the prophets, he’s primarily known for what he tried to escape rather than what he accomplished.

In the opening verse of the book bearing his name, God directly tells Jonah: “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.” (Jonah 1:2)

This command followed the typical prophetic call format—clear, specific marching orders for where to go and what message to deliver. As a prophet, Jonah would have been accustomed to simply obeying divine orders.

But rather than heading hundreds of miles east to the ancient Assyrian capital of Nineveh, Jonah immediately fled west in the total opposite direction. Verse 3 notes matter-of-factly, “But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.”

Why did Jonah directly rebel against God’s call on his life? The rest of the book provides some clues. Nineveh represented Israel’s cruel enemy, so Jonah despised the people there. He likely worried they would repent at his preaching, and God would spare them.

Jonah wanted judgement not redemption for Israel’s foes.

So boarding a ship to Tarshish (possibly in modern Spain), Jonah hoped to escape his prophetic assignment and God’s very presence. Of course, fleeing the omnipresent Lord proved utterly futile. When a deadly storm threatened the sailors, Jonah admitted it was his disobedience causing the trouble.

After getting thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish, Jonah repented but still resentfully carried out his task. Though the Ninevites did repent en masse, Jonah seemed disappointed rather than joyful at the religious revival.

Jonah’s story reminds us that running from God fails completely. It’s far better to obey right away, even when His commands seem difficult, unreasonable or undesirable.

Through Jonah, God desires all people to repent, even those we consider enemies. We must surrender our agendas to His greater plan of redemption.

Moses Felt Unqualified so Asked God to Send Someone Else

Though eventually remembered as Israel’s great deliverer, Moses initially balked at God’s call for Him to lead the Exodus. As Moses shepherded his father-in-law Jethro’s flocks near the burning bush, God stunned him by commissioning him to rescue the Hebrews from Egyptian slavery.

God assured the reluctant Moses by promising divine power and proofs. But Moses still felt completely unqualified, even claiming he was “slow of speech and slow of tongue” (Exodus 4:10).

He pleaded for God to send anyone but himself, saying “O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send.” (Exodus 4:13)

Rather than getting angry at Moses for his lack of faith, God graciously assigned Moses’ brother Aaron as his spokesperson. God also gave many miraculous signs to bolster Moses’ credibility.

After a series of devastating plagues, Pharaoh finally allowed Moses to lead Hebrew slaves towards Canaan and eventually to Mount Sinai where Moses received the Ten Commandments.

Despite his hesitations, Moses submitted to God’s calling and plan. He stepped up in faith as events unfolded, becoming Israel’s courageous shepherd for 40 years in the wilderness. All leaders have moments of doubt and feel unprepared for daunting tasks.

If God calls you to lead in some capacity, know that He equips the unequipped. Take comfort in Moses’ example of hesitant obedience.

Joseph’s Brothers Sold Him into Slavery Out of Jealousy and Resentment

Joseph faced family rejection from a young age because God showed him glimpses of the future leadership he would eventually walk into. While just age 17, God gave Joseph two dreams which symbolized his brothers and even parents bowing down to Joseph.

Rather than taking these dreams as godly inspiration, Joseph’s brothers conspired against him out of pure envy. After briefly contemplating murder, his brothers decided to sell Joseph into slavery to passing Midianite merchants.

To cover up their crime, the brothers dipped Joseph’s trademark coat in animal blood and fooled their father Jacob into thinking his favorite son died.

In Egypt, Joseph ended up a slave in Potiphar’s house before getting imprisoned on false charges. He could have grown bitter at his unfortunate circumstances. However, Genesis says **“the Lord was with Joseph” (Genesis 39:21) even in prison.

After correctly interpreting dreams for Pharoah’s royal cupbearer and baker, Joseph got summoned to interpret Pharoah’s dreams as well. For correctly predicting a coming famine, Pharoah appointed Joseph as royal vizier – the second most powerful man in Egypt.

Sure enough, the famine later sent Joseph’s desperate brothers to Egypt seeking food. In a beautiful act of forgiveness, Joseph helped his brothers and invited his father Jacob’s whole family to stay in Egypt.

Just as God had showed Joseph previews of his destiny, the dreams came true with even the murderous brothers bowing down gratefully to Joseph.

If you feel frustration when friends, family or colleagues seem to oppose God’s calling on your life, take comfort in Joseph’s story. The enemy wants to discourage you from reaching your destiny.

But if God appoints blessings ahead, no person or circumstance can stop His sovereign plan from unfolding. You don’t need to take revenge. Forgive others while trusting God to exalt you in due time.

Saul Persecuted the Early Church Before Dramatically Converting

The story of the Apostle Paul’s conversion proves that even Christianity’s most vicious enemies can become fiery evangelists. Before meeting Jesus in a blinding vision, Paul hunted Christ-followers to imprison them for blasphemy charges.

As an elite scholar of Jewish law and traditions, Paul (or Saul) despised the fledgling Christian movement as dangerous heresy. After Stephen’s martyrdom by stoning while Paul watched approvingly, violent persecution scattered believers from Jerusalem (Acts 8:1).

Saul “made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.” (Acts 8:3)

But while traveling to Damascus to arrest more Christians, the resurrected Jesus abruptly confronted Paul, saying “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:4)

Blinded, Paul immediately repented. After receiving healing through a Christian named Ananias, Paul got baptized and began powerfully preaching Christ in Jewish synagogues.

Despite death threats, Paul fearlessly spread the Gospel across the Roman Empire on three missionary journeys. His epistles now comprise one quarter of the New Testament canon.

As the church’s most famous convert, Paul often shared his testimony to showcase God’s unlimited grace and power. If Jesus could transform Christianity’s boldest adversary into its greatest apostle, no one stands outside His reach. Take courage that anyone denying Jesus now may become part of Christ’s family later.

Elijah Sank Into Depression and Burnout After Spiritual Victories

Elijah’s epic showdown with the prophets of Baal remains one of the Bible’s dramatic spiritual warfare stories. After God rained down fire to consume Elijah’s soaked altar, he had the people slaughter the pagan prophets. Soon after, Elijah prayed and ended Israel’s 3-year drought.

Rather than cheering on these amazing miracles, wicked Queen Jezebel sent a messenger vowing to kill Elijah within 24 hours. Elijah fled into the wilderness, begging God “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life.” (1 Kings 19:4)

Totally exhausted and defeated, the mighty prophet fell asleep begging for death after such a “great victory.” But God ministered to despairing Elijah by having an angel bake him bread and nourish him for a 40 day trek to Mount Sinai.

Rather than rebuking Elijah’s failure, God spoke in a gentle whisper, reassuring Elijah he was not alone.

Have you ever experienced spiritual highs followed by emotional crashes when the next challenge arises? Every believer faces cycles where God moves mightily followed by periods of exhaustion or frustration. If you feel defeated after previous breakthroughs, do not yield to resignation like Elijah.

His example reminds us to hope in God’s kindness and refreshing when our reservoirs run dry. Take a break from ministry to marinate in God’s loving presence. He understands weary warriors who need renewed strength for the long haul.

John Mark Abandoned Paul’s Missionary Team Mid-Journey

John Mark’s story reminds us that past failures do not have to define our future influence. Though Mark deserted Paul’s evangelistic team when situations grew tough, he later penned the Gospel of Mark and mentored under Peter.

God gracefully gave John Mark a second chance at greatness despite his earlier lack of perseverance.

Introduced as a “helper” to Barnabas and Paul church planting across Cyprus (Acts 13:5), John Mark retreated back home to Jerusalem in the middle of their first missionary journey. Scripture does not specify why Mark abandoned Paul, but tension clearly festered.

When Barnabas wanted to bring John Mark on their second journey, this “sharp disagreement” with Paul caused the ministry partners to split (Acts 15:36-41).

Paul viewed Mark’s unexpected departure as an untrustworthy character flaw. But Barnabas perhaps saw youthful instability that further mentoring could remedy. Indeed,

Paul later specifically asked for Mark to visit him in prison because “he is useful to me for ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:11) He viewed Mark as a reliable coworker rather than flakey dropout.

If you feel you also disappointed spiritual leaders and blew your chance, don’t despair. God specializes in new beginnings and repairing broken dreams. Lean on Barnabas-type encouragers who inspire you try again. One day like John Mark, you may impact many people with Gospel ministry.

God’s Spirit Draws the Reluctant

As we explored the stories of Bible characters who initially resisted, rebelled against or ran from God’s calling, a common theme emerges: God patiently persists in pursuing people. He overcomes doubts, excuses, failures and human obstinance to redeem reluctant followers.

Rather than only using eager, talented saints, God highlights those aware of their weaknesses. He gets the glory when working through flawed servants. The next time you or others feel unqualified, unprepared or disillusioned, recall these stories.

God gives holy boldness to the naturally timid. He abruptly redirects the rebellious. He revives the burned out. He waits for the wayward to mature.

You likely resonate with parts of these biblical accounts. Even giants of the faith sometimes stumbled over obstacles like fear, anger, exhaustion or immaturity. Take courage that God understands human frailty.

If He could achieve global impact through flawed spokesmen like Moses, Jonah or Paul, He can certainly use ordinary believers like you and me. Our responsibility is simply to obey when we hear His voice urging us onward.

So don’t dismay when God’s calling seems beyond your current abilities and perspective. His purposes unfold gradually as we walk in faith. Even while struggling with deep insecurities, we can join the ranks of other unlikely heroes who changed whole nations.

By God’s strength, the fearful become courageous, the fugitive finds purpose, and the defeated bounce back revived. Our weaknesses make room for even greater divine empowerment.

Will you say ‘yes’ when He tugs your heart toward some role in His grand plan? Why not start the journey and see what exciting spiritual adventure emerges? You never know what blessings God has in store when you choose to run to (not away from) His perfect will.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.