Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay (Jeremiah 20:9).Jeremiah 20:10 tells us how Prophet Jeremiah faced challenging times at a point in his life. His friends had betrayed him; and some people who hated his guts were waiting for him to slip, in order to take their revenge on him. It was a time of tremendous pressure, but he couldn't be quiet. Read again his inspiring words of commitment to the Lord in our opening verse. Jeremiah couldn't be quiet; he had to speak. He had to proclaim God’s message. Nothing was going to douse his passion for the Lord!
You may have taken a look at your environment, your home, place of work, city or nation, and told yourself, “I’m going to bring the glory of God into this place; I’ll proclaim the Gospel and see to it that the Kingdom of God is established in the hearts of men.” Then suddenly, trouble and persecution break out on every side. You know what? Remain strong. Don’t chicken out! Take a stand for the Gospel.
The Apostle Paul was in a similar situation, but read what he said: “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). Blessed words!
Jeremiah, in spite of all the terror and troubles around him, stood up for the Lord, because he understood that the One with him was greater than all adversities around him. He boldly affirmed, “...the Lord is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten” (Jeremiah 20:11).
The Lord has created opportunities for you in your family, city, place of work, and environment, to make an impact for Him with the Gospel. Don’t keep quiet. This year, more than you’ve ever done, and irrespective of the challenges, let soul-winning be your topmost priority. Let your greatest desire and pursuit be to bring praise to the Name of the Lord, and make His glory known.
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for giving me opportunities to reach people everywhere with your Word. I’m not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, because I recognize it as your power of salvation to everyone who believes. Therefore, I’m committed to the spread of the Gospel, to make your glory known around the world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Matthew 1, Genesis 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 5:33-42, Nehemiah 3
www.rhapsodyofrealities.org
On behalf of the rhapsody group, we say Happy new year to everyone of you around the world!
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