Day 52 – Persistence (Jeremiah)

July 8, 2010 mondayswithmaria

When my cousin, Greg, was about 3, we were wandering around K-mart shopping and chatting.  We didn’t see each other very much so I said, “Greggy, what’s my name?”  He gave a shy smile but didn’t respond.  I asked, “Can you say ‘Maria’?”  He shook his head back and forth to let me know he couldn’t or wouldn’t say it.  “Why not?” I inquired.  He promptly stated, “I too short.”  Being 5’3″ myself, I immediately understood and determined that shortness is a valid excuse for anything you don’t want to do – like mowing the lawn, weeding the flowerbeds, and cleaning the litter box.

When God called, Jeremiah felt he had a valid excuse in his youth.  “Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” (1:6)  God informs Jeremiah to go where he is sent and say what he is instructed to say.  God also offers reassurance to Jeremiah along with those commands; “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.” (1:8)  Jeremiah’s task is to tell the people that they must turn from their wicked and evil ways and repent or face destruction.

Jeremiah’s task is a difficult one, but he faithfully and obediently follows God’s commands each time knowing that the people are not going to listen.  In following God’s commands, Jeremiah faces isolation from friends and family, prison, and death threats.  Jeremiah confronts these evildoers at the temple and in the community.  What would happen if you stood outside of your church and condemned those walking in as having God “…near their mouth and far from their heart”? (12:2)  You’d likely be escorted off the property and maybe cited for trespassing.  Jeremiah gets banned from the temple, death threats (“You shall die!” – 26:8), and even thrown down into a muddy cistern, which was a slow and dirty death sentence in those days.  Despite these horrible circumstances, Jeremiah obediently exposes false prophets, confronts kings, and pleads with the people to turn from wickedness back to their God.

I’m not prepared to handle that kind of persecution for even a day…Jeremiah spent his life serving God in those conditions.  My feelings are hurt when someone is short with me, and my anger flares with one cross word.  So, how can God possibly use someone like me?  Using Jeremiah as my example, I can let God do the talking through His Word rather than using my own words – “I too short!”  I can be obedient without fear, because God promises to be right there, and I can serve.

Is there something that God wants you to do for him?  Here’s some words that God has for you: “For I know the plans I have for you…plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.  You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (29:11-13)

My prayer for today:

Lord, I am willing to serve you in whatever way you need.  Give me courage and strength, as I do.  Help me to combat the fears and doubts that may hinder my faithfulness and obedience.  Help me to open my eyes to see the opportunities and take action.  Thank you for promising to stick by me.  Amen

Entry Filed under: Obedience,Serving

One Comment Add your own

• 1. Tanisha Ferebee  |  July 9, 2010 at 10:23 am

  hey girly

  it’s been awhile since I’ve read a blog…wow your message never miss a beat in regards to it’s impact for my life. Today I had someone say something to me and it felt like a cut in my heart but after reading what Jeremiah went through my minor situation don’t even compare…sometimes I don’t feel equip but then I quickly remember who my FATHER is and his desires for me.

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