Jonah: Following God's Call When You'd Rather Run Away

by Charlie Grimes

Are you running from something? A past mistake? A difficult calling? Or perhaps even God Himself? In a world often filled with regret and second-guessing, the ancient story of Jonah from the Holy Bible offers a profound and surprisingly relatable You can run from God, but you can never outrun Him.

In " Following God's Call When You'd Rather Run Away," pastor and author Charlie Grimes delves into the well-known, yet often misunderstood, story of Jonah, a man who received a "mulligan" in his life. With his characteristic engaging and accessible style, Charlie, an ex-coach and athletic director turned pastor, brings a unique and practical perspective to this timeless text. He reveals a God who is not about "paying us back" for our failures, but relentlessly "bringing us back" to His purpose for our lives. It's a powerful testament to His boundless love, guaranteed grace, and endless second chances—even for those we deem "wicked" or undeserving, like the Ninevites.

This isn't just Jonah's story; it's your story too. Through this book, you'll discover

It's never too late to pray, no matter how deep your despair.God's discipline is thorough, but it is also thoughtful, always serving a purpose to bring us closer to Him.Delayed obedience does not change the instructions, but God patiently pursues us.God is always working in the lives of everyone you meet, preparing them to hear His message long before you speak. He simply asks us to join Him where He's already at work." Following God's Call When You'd Rather Run Away" will challenge your perceptions and prompt deep self-reflection. Are you "offended by God's grace" when it's extended to others? Do you prioritize your own comfort, causing you to miss God's greater plan? This book will help you recognize your own "Nineveh" – that difficult person, situation, or calling you'd rather avoid. It reminds us that God's concerns are eternal, and the only thing we can truly take to heaven is other people.

Join Charlie Grimes on this insightful journey through Jonah's tale, part of the "Dare to Believe" series. Be inspired to start where you are, take what you have, and do what you can to live out your faith and embrace God's amazing purpose for your life. Your story is still being written by a God who never gives up on you.

93 pages, Paperback

Published October 10, 2025

Reviews

[Katie Moomaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running with God in a world filled with busyness, selfishness, and distractions can be difficult. This book offers both encouragement and challenges drawing parallels between Jonah’s journey and our own experiences. Whether you’re a student in a youth group or in your adult career, Jonah’s life provides valuable lessons that can be applied to your own life.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was unexpectedly eye-opening, thought provoking and full of wisdom.

[John George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonah: Following God’s Call When You’d Rather Run Away, by Pastor Charlie Grimes, is an analytical dive into the belly of the story of Jonah. Broken up into 4 chapters, Pastor Grimes breaks down Jonah’s story almost line for line and analyzes and interprets the meaning. From receiving his call from God, to his flight from God, his repentance, his completing of God’s mission, and finally his resentment afterwards, Pastor Grimes explains Jonah’s feelings and actions at every point. How he ran from God, ran back to God, ran with God, and then ran against God. Using the story of Jonah as well as his own personal anecdotes, he explains how God is always there with us, if not already ahead of us waiting for us to come back. It was a very good and fun read. As an agnostic, I enjoy reading religious texts sometimes, and I am glad I chose this one because I enjoy the story of Jonah and I enjoy the author’s analysis.

[Thanassis Stamelos · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not something that I would ordinarily find, or read, however, being able to take things in from differing perspectives is most definitely important to do. If you learn something, find something new to be interested in, then you should read it, watch it, learn of it. Life is a journey and it is worth understanding and knowing as much as is possible before your time is up. Give this a read, whether you're an adult or a teenager, you will most likely learn something from the short time spent reading through this book, even if you do not consider yourself religious in any way shape or form.

[Charlie Grimes]

As the author of this book, I humbly offer a reflection on this project. I am not a theologian, but a friend of Jesus who has felt His forgiveness, love, and purpose. My greatest hope is that this book serves as a guide and a coach, giving you the courage to step into whatever God has asked you to do.

This book is my attempt to unpack the timeless, yet often misunderstood, story of Jonah, a man who received a second chance in his life. Through Jonah’s journey, we can see the boundless nature of God’s love and grace, reminding us that **it is never too late to pray**.

If you have ever felt like running from God—whether from a difficult calling or a past mistake—this is your story, too.

I write in an easy-to-read and apply style, encouraging you, the readers, to reflect on your inner character (the inward journey) and consider your relationships within your communities (the outward journey). This study will help you identify your own "Nineveh"—that difficult person, situation, or assignment you would rather avoid.

If you find that this book inspires you to deepen your faith and pursue a more meaningful life, please consider sharing it with your friends and community. After all, as I write in the book, "the only thing you can truly take to heaven is other people". Who will you invite? May this book encourage you to live out your faith boldly!