"The word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai saying, 'Arise, go to Nineveh the great city, and cry against it, for their wickedness has come up against Me.'  But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.  So he went down to Joppa, found a ship which was going to Tarshish, paid the fare, and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord."

The word of the Lord continues to come to Jonah throughout the book.  Even when Jonah disobeys, God speaks to him - challenges him.  God never gives up on Jonah.  God never gives up on you.

Has God given you a word?  A challenge?  Has He given you a "Go"?

Jonah's world suddenly becomes black or white. 

Either Jonah obeys God's word, goes to Nineveh and preaches, or Jonah disobeys.

Jonah cannot obey a little.  God's word is clear.  Follow His will or your will.  Cry out for God or remain silent.  Go north or south.

It is hard to recover from disobedience.  This is physically shown to us through the story of Jonah.  Turning away from God results in a fish ride, and scorching weather and hurt sailors.  But, if there is a theme to the book of Jonah, it is this:  It is not impossible to recover from disobedience.  Good news if you have ever run from God's word.  He is patient.  Turn around (this is called repentance) and head back to God.  He waits.  He is waiting for me now.  He is waiting for you.