Jeremiah ministered to Judah / Jerusalem for several years leading up to their Babylonian exile. He was an inexperienced young man, called by God, and he obeyed.
“Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.’ But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, “I am only a youth”; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak… Do not be dismayed by them… I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you.’ ” (v6-7, 17-19)
Persecution for performing God’s works and sharing God’s word is as old as time itself. It was true in Jeremiah’s day, and it’s still true in our day. Lack of self-confidence was also apparent in many of God’s chosen servants. Yet, the fantastic news is God is with us, and no matter who / what stands against us, or how unprepared we feel, God will help us prevail. We may die a physical death in the process of following God’s leading, but we will gain everything for our obedience, and hopefully others will also come to know Jesus through our obedience.
In Romans 8:18-30 Paul reminds us that future rewards overshadow current sufferings, and in v31-39 we’re reminded that absolutely nothing can separate us from God’s love, or stop Him from completing His work.
Let’s listen for God’s voice and obey Him fully, no matter how strange His request(s). A wise man once told me “You never know what’s on the other side of obedience until after you have obeyed.” Let’s obey God’s calling(s) so we can find out what’s in store for us, and for those around us.
Father God, our All-Powerful Lord and All-Knowing King, You bless us with flawless leadership. May we listen to Your Spirit’s promptings, and obey without question, trusting that You have everyone’s best interests at heart. May we be Your humble and obedient servants, every day of our lives, every single moment, amen.