Tears

You know, Lord; remember me and take note of me. Avenge me against my persecutors. In your patience, don’t take me away. Know that I suffer disgrace for your honor. Jeremiah 15:15 (CSB)

Have you ever thought about how many believers dedicate their lives to sharing the Gospel and helping others? There are lives known only to God that serve Him faithfully, even while facing struggles.

Youcef Nadarkhani and Dr. Helen Roseveare are modern individuals who have suffered greatly for their love and service to the Lord Jesus. Their struggles are significant, but they have understood that no human suffering can compare to the price Jesus paid for us.

Devoted

Can I encourage you to read about them? Their lives are extraordinary testimonies of grace. Their courage has been found in the Spirit of God.

But, like all of us who have given our hearts to Jesus, the lives of faithful believers mainly tell God’s story. It is about Jesus.

One of my favorite stories in the Old Testament is the story of the prophet, Jeremiah. He was called by God as a young teenager.

Jeremiah lived from 650-570 B.C. He was chosen to warn the people of Judah about their coming destruction because they turned from God.

Jeremiah experienced moments of joy in his service to God. Look at what he said in the passage below.

Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became a delight to me and the joy of my heart, for I bear your name,
Lord God of Armies. Jeremiah 15:16 (CSB)

Have you experienced moments like that? In those moments, you find contentment because you have realized a ministry or a purpose that God has called you to. You bear God’s name.

Being a contented believer goes beyond calling yourself a Christian or even sharing the Gospel; it means joyfully bearing any burden God asks of you to glorify Him.

When that is your testimony, and when you devour God’s Word, like Jeremiah described, can’t you sense what he knew? Just breathless love for God, trust and joy.

When the shadows fall, courage comes from having a personal awareness of the God of Heaven’s Armies.

Now, it is important to understand the context of this passage. When Jeremiah’s ministry began, God uses a metaphor of putting His Word into Jeremiah’s mouth as if Jeremiah were eating it. God assures Jeremiah that His Word will be protected and will not be at the mercy of any man, ensuring that His plan will always prevail.

God’s love and provision for Jeremiah and the Hebrew people is evident in this epic true story, which also includes many Gentiles in His redemptive plan.

Now Jeremiah is also known as the weeping prophet. If you have studied about him, you know why. He suffered great persecution and derision from his own people-the very people that he loved and wanted to bring to salvation.

Look at Jeremiah’s response to the injustice against him.

…the word of the Lord has become my constant disgrace and derision. I say, “I won’t mention Him or speak any longer in His name.” But His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones. I become tired of holding it in, and I cannot prevail. Jeremiah 20:8 & 9 (CSB)

God sent rescuers to Jeremiah, one in the form of a pagan eunuch who snatched him from the depths of a cold, muddy well. This hero literally saved Jeremiah’s life.

Jeremiah would struggle in the night seasons. God would call him to repent for speaking “worthless words.” But God held him fast. He never fell from God’s grasp.

 “…for I am with you to protect and rescue you…”

Check out this promise from God: Jeremiah 15:19-21

This week, reflect on modern believers who have served God in dark times. Consider those who have given everything to honor God. How can you serve Him?

I am with you to save you

Do you see the despair in this world? Pay attention to those around you; many have hearts that are far from God. He is the answer to their need.

Before you share the Gospel-

• Be sure you really know for yourself.
• Read His Word every day.
• Talk to Him often.
• Don’t disregard fellowship with other believers.

Once you are wholly committed to walk with Jesus, just go. Serve wherever He leads you. No matter how dark the way, God’s light, living inside you, is sufficient to lead you home.

Share the Good News in your world!

Isaiah 52:7

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.