I heard a story about a college student who became trapped in a 17-inch space between two buildings. After zigzagging up a fire escape, he planned to jump from one rooftop to another. Instead, he fell into the slim chasm—dropping three stories until he was wedged in the narrow space between the buildings, unable to move. Finally, rescuers bored a hole through one of the buildings and pulled him to safety.
As God’s prophet, Jeremiah also felt trapped. Should he choose to speak the messages God wanted him to deliver—which caused him to be a social outcast—or simply speak what the people wanted to hear?
Although Jeremiah chose to speak God’s words, the cost was difficult. At one point, after being released from prison, the prophet lamented over the ridicule he endured, saying, “These messages from the Lord have made me a household joke” (Jeremiah 20:8). But he found he couldn’t stay silent, “If I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in His name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. . . . I am worn out trying to hold it in!” (Jeremiah 20:9).
Jeremiah’s thoughts haunted him as he considered the rumors, name-calling, and threats he would receive if he continued to speak for God. Yet he acknowledged God’s protection and said, “The Lord stands beside me like a great warrior” (Jeremiah 20:11). Jeremiah stayed faithful to God and He sustained his prophetic ministry.
Many of us feel the tension between following God and the corresponding trouble that comes as we serve Him. Difficulty may continue, but God’s power can uphold us through all of it. He will enable us to prevail “not by force nor by strength, but by [His] Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 7:1-12
More:
Read Luke 22:41-44 to see how Jesus pressed on in His calling to save, despite the suffering He would have to endure.
Next:
What circumstances are the most discouraging as you seek to live for Christ? What is God teaching you as you pray through these struggles?
Gary Shultz on July 3, 2017 at 2:53 am
Hi Jennifer: Often times when I read questions asked by you authors I must roll them around for a while. These are no exception. They say Jeremiah reflect a lot of what is happening in today’s world. Many things could be mentioned; however, to me one of the most stalling things to overcome is living in an affluent society. The blessings of God have allowed us to forget where, at what cost and sacrifice this blessing have come. We no longer need God we have it all figured out. We can live life any way we chose and don’t need any religious stuff to spoil our bent. It is difficult to offer good news that cares for the soul, when life seems to get on by our own efforts. God has still asked His children to be lights in a darkened world. Like Jeremiah, not a popular message. Yet we must pray, speak, and live to those who are around us. We must look for those who have been spit out by society and minister help. Thanks Jennifer
jennifer schuldt on July 3, 2017 at 5:32 pm
Materialism is a big obstacle when it comes to our ability to see our need for God. In His grace, God meets the needs of some of us with great abundance. May we always be able to see the hand from which the blessings come.
don777 on July 3, 2017 at 6:12 am
Romans 8:31 (NKJ) 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Help me Oh Lord Jesus to surrender to you, that your will be done, not mine. +>i
jennifer schuldt on July 3, 2017 at 5:06 pm
Amen!
tccarr777 on July 3, 2017 at 9:37 am
Wonderful Jennifer! Pr 25:11 “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold
In settings of silver.”
jennifer schuldt on July 3, 2017 at 5:06 pm
Glory to God! 🙂
minkjh on July 3, 2017 at 4:30 pm
Jeremiah’s destiny was signed, sealed, and delivered by God (Jer 1:5) but that did not guarantee the weeping prophet an easy go at the task at hand. Yes, Jennifer, there is much that we encounter today that weighs us down with discouragement, doubt and fear. We can expect conflict in the home, the workplace, perhaps even the church. While we have the assurance that we’ll never walk that road alone, we can also embrace the Lord’s command in Mt 10:14-15. That can be a tough pill to swallow for many of us.
jennifer schuldt on July 3, 2017 at 5:29 pm
Experiencing difficulty does not always mean we are going against God’s will. Jeremiah proves it! May God give us the ability to discern His voice from all other voices, and to persist in His power when we know what He wants us to do. The insights of others and Scripture can guide us when we are uncertain!