Jeremiah 20:7-12 – Jeremiah trusts God to deliver him from those who oppose his preaching. Here is one who wants to quit but cannot. He decides not to preach but he finds himself driven to keep going. It is like a fire in his bones that must be expressed or explode! He is driven by an inner voice. The love of Christ, faith of God, the sense of obedience, impels, and compels one to witness regardless of popular acceptance.
Faith overcomes fear. In the midst of persecution, Jeremiah puts his trust in God’s deliverance from his enemies. He was sure God would vindicate him and his oppressors would be eliminated. His trust was justified, for when he was released from the dungeon, Jeremiah exulted, “Praise the Lord!” v. 13
When you experience a trial, choose—by faith—to put your
trust in God. This choice will help you be more objective and consequently more
alert to the reasons why God may have allowed the trial to occur. As you deal
with the difficulties, remember the following truths:
Gaining intimate knowledge of Christ exceeds the
value of gaining more possessions. (See Philippians
3:8.)
Developing stronger character is more important than getting your own way. (See Hebrews 5:8.)
Demonstrating self-control is more heroic than dominating your competitors. (See Proverbs 25:28.)
Eternal treasures are more valuable than earthly riches. (See Matthew 19:21.)
A Prayer for
grace to use our gifts – Almighty
God even as You bless Your servants with various and unique gifts of the Holy
Spirit continue to grant us the grace to use them always to Your honor and
glory; through Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.
Crucifixion Image, copyright © 2019 Ed Riojas, Higher Things
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