Jeremiah was devoted to his calling although the work was difficult. One of the worst things was that it seemed futile. Although God had told him it would be that way it is hard to keep going when it seems you are getting nowhere. We all want to see some fruit from our labor. When you think you are wasting your time, you’re unappreciated, and persecuted it’s difficult to remain faithful–but he did. And because he could we can. God hasn’t changed one bit. Knowing that is encouraging, but that doesn’t mean life will be easy.
Pouring out your heart to people you love, wanting what’s best for them, warning them of judgment, and watching them turn a deaf ear is heartbreaking. That’s why motive matters so much. Why we do what we do makes the difference between success and defeat. When the goal is the glory of God it will keep you going like nothing else. It is our job to be faithful not to make things happen. But regardless of how dedicated you are there might be times when you feel like quitting. It happened to Jeremiah and it can happen to you. But you must not quit. The cause is more important than your comfort or your cheerfulness. We never have the right to desert our duty because it is difficult– even if every fiber of our being is screaming “Stop!”. Don’t do it.
We all have shot-comings and sometimes we fail, but we have a great God who is able to enable us, and He will if we are willing. That’s why Paul said, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”(Gal. 6:9). Time, place, and circumstances make no difference. God never changes. He lifted Jeremiah up out of the pit of despair and restored him to usefulness. He can do the same for you. None of us are strong enough on our own. We all need what God alone can provide.–HDS
