My Ninevah

from readingpa.gov



The content of this post has been on my heart for awhile. During the summer at church we studied and went through the book of Jonah in the Bible.  It seemed as though God had put this on my Pastor's heart to study knowing what all would conspire all over our nation during that time.  Well week and after week after church a question had been popping up in my head.  It was, "What and where is your Ninevah?"  I thought and thought and nothing came to mine.  But after prayer and really seeking out where God wants me, the city where I live kept coming to mind. 

During the summer, I had a wish that we as a family would move and find another home in another city.  One that was already established.  One that many people long to visit.  One where there was always something to do, eat, and hang out with friends.  But my plan was not in God's plan, and I Foam still living in my hometown. 

My hometown has had its downfalls.  For one, being recognized as the top poorest city in the U.S, and another being one of the dangerous cities.  This city is often looked upon as being crippled, broken, worthless, you pick a horrible name, it probably has been said. But despite some of the drawbacks, this city has its good.  Nice restaurants, rich history, beautiful buildings, and of course a few residents who long for a change in this city. 

I am one of those residents.  I would love to see this city go back to where it was years and years ago.  I would love to see visitors come by the bus loads to shop, eat, and entertain themselves.  I know many would say it is hopeless and you have to deal with where this city is and where it is going.  Well, I object.  Being a Christian, I know that at times it seems as though life can feel hopeless.  Life can be unfair and everything that could go wrong, goes wrong.  But, I found someone that I find hope in, and that is Jesus.  He came to not only go through what he did for us, but to provide HOPE!!! There are many churches located within this city, and they forget all about sharing that hope with others.  This is where I feel like Jonah being directed to Ninevah.  Ninevah was a city full of craziness.  Sin, Sin, everywhere, and people who we think don't care.  Lets be honest, we have all said at one time, "those people don't care" "they don't want to change".  Well sometimes we have to forget about what we think how others feel, and think about the things that people need.  For one, people need to know that there is hope.   

I do have a plan and desire of what I would to do to help bring hope back into the city.  I am praying to see if this is what God has in plan.  I know that if it is, the help, people, finances, and property would shown and God would provide.

Sometimes our plans are not what God has for us.  There are times where we might feel hopeless or useless, but we must remember, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11.