TO THE BIBLE: Jeremiah 20:9
“Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.”
LET’S TALK
Jeremiah 20 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 up, in order to take their revenge on him. It was a time of tremendous pressure, but Jeremiah wouldn’t be quiet; he just had to speak out and proclaim God’s message. Nothing was going to douse the fire of his passion for the Lord (Jeremiah 20:9)!
The Apostle Paul was in a similar situation, but read what he said: “…None of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). Profound words! Jeremiah understood that the One with him was far greater than all his adversaries put together, so he boldly affirmed, “…the Lord is with me as a mighty, awesome One. Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and will not prevail. They will be greatly ashamed, for they will not prosper. Their everlasting confusion will never be forgotten” (Jeremiah 20:11).
Take a look at your environment, your home, school, city and nation, and tell 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 people here.” Even if trouble and persecution break out on every side, remain strong. Don’t chicken out! Take a stand for the Gospel! Don’t keep quiet. 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.
Go Deeper
Pray
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 it’s your power of salvation to everyone who believes. Therefore, I’m committed to the spread of the Gospel to everyone, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
1 Corinthians 7, Psalms 119:113-176