This devotional came to us today via email from Ransomed Heart Ministries (wild at heart). It is so relevant to where we are at. There are days we are so weary and we ask "how long Lord"? When life circumstances are difficult and the walls we face seem impossible to climb. When so many around us are sick and some even dying. When we feel like giving up!
“How Long, O Lord?” 03/14/2008When God comes to call Jeremiah to be his prophet of hard sayings to Judah, Jeremiah protests, saying, “‘Ah, Sovereign LORD . . . I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.’ But the LORD said to me, ‘Do not say, “I am only a child.” You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,’ declares the LORD” (Jer. 1:6–8).
God is saying that these things will be done through Jeremiah’s dependence on his strength and provision, and that he will rescue him. Yet there is something about God’s rescues that make them a little less timely than dialing 911. He leaves Abraham with his knife raised and ready to plunge into Isaac’s heart, and Isaac waiting for the knife to descend; he leaves Joseph languishing for years in an Egyptian prison; he allows the Israelites to suffer four hundred years of bondage under the Egyptians and leaves those same Israelites backed against the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s chariots thundering down on them. He abandons Jesus to the cross and does not rescue him at all.
And then there are those of us who, along with the saints under heaven’s very altar, are groaning under the weight of things gone wrong, waiting for that same Jesus to return and sweep us up with him in power and glory. “How long, O Lord?” we whisper in our weariness and pain. Indeed, God calls us to battles where the deck appears stacked in favor of those who are his enemies and ours, just to increase the drama of the play. And there is the clear picture, even from God himself, that he does so to enhance his own glory.
What a great reminder for our family!
We can see the glory of God in our pain - when we listen to the voice of truth and not the lies from the enemy the story is clear. We are able to lay down our own wants for rescue to take the invitiation God offers - to suffer earthly trials for his Glory! God is good and the trials help us let go of earth and cling to Him!
5 comments:
how long oh Lord?
i love and am reminded of a saying about God from this musician that played at our wedding:
"He may not come when you like it, but He'll be right on time."
our timing is usually way less patient than God's... but He sees the end, and knows just how much pressure, heat, and pain it takes to make something beautiful.
-and that's what He's doing in you, Meleea!
What a great devotional! Thank you for sharing. God is good and His will is perfect. I am so thankful I can trust in Him and not in my circumstances.
Meleea I can see that God is doing an amazing work in and through your life.
It was so good to talk to you the other night at the play. You were an encouragement to me! Thank you.
Happy late Birthday!! Im glad you had a good one!!
Vikki Jensen
Vikki - thanks for your comment. I loved connecting with you that night also - I cried the whole way to the car! Your life and story is such a testimony to so many around you. You and Steve have ministered to Curtis & I in the last few months. We continue to daily lift your family in prayer. Thank you for your friendship.
I say this prayer every time I think of what's going on in our country...ACK!
Great post, thanks for sharing!
That is a wonderful devotional. It is so hard wo watch your children struggle.
We are so very proud of you, but not surprised at your strength. You have always done the thing that needs to be done.
Psalm 20:1-5
Mom
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