The prophet Jeremiah was Called early in his youth to give God's message of wrath and judgment to the people of Judah. For forty years he spoke the truth to people who did not want the truth. Today, this is true for many Christ-followers. Just as broken-hearted Jeremiah gave a broken declaration to surrender to God's will, many who are 'Called' to preach the truth of God's Word suffer alone and the same.
Jeremiah, in all his trials and tribulations, was deeply troubled by those he was called to warn. He endured affliction in his physical body, acknowledging his own sin, and the sin of those he warned. He was conspired against by Anathoth a Benjamite who ratified (approved and signed) the Covenant of God. He complained to God about himself and his calling, and questioned God's creation of disobedient Judah and their prosperity. He prayed continually for those he warned. He was encouraged by God Himself. He was not allowed to marry. He mandated observance of the Sabbath and complained to God again. He 'called out' false prophets without hesitation or remorse. He was imprisoned and thrown into a deep well of muck and mire where he nearly died. Jeremiah was IN CONSTANT CONFLICT with the world and everyone around him.
But God intervened using broken means. Thirty men and rotten rags were used to lift Jeremiah 'up and out' of the tank of death. Imagine how he must have felt about those rags, knowing the likelihood of them breaking under his arms as they lifted him higher and higher. The fear of plummeting deeper and drowning in the mud below must have seized his mind, but he willfully exercised faith over feelings, knowing that God had called him and would care for him.
Maybe you can relate to Jeremiah, maybe you can't, but it's crucial that we as 'Believers in Christ' put our trust in God's Word. Don't ever let people or circumstances lie to you about what God has called you to do. He Does Not Change!
"For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable" (for He does not withdraw what He has given, nor does He change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call). Romans 11:29 Amplified Version
On a Journey of Healing and Hope with you,
Terri Lynne
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