Standing for what is right

Jeremiah was a man who struggled with depression and a woe is me complex. He was a man who got frustrated and I would say even angry with God. I would suspect there were times when he felt used and abandoned. He was also an honest man when it came to dealing with these feelings. He told God what was on his heart and mind. I believe this is one of the things that made him such a great man of God. He was willing to be totally honest with God and express who he felt about their relationship and in particular those things that bothered Jeremiah the most.

Jeremiah was also a great man of God because He was willing (most of the time) to do what God wanted him to do and to do when God wanted him to do it. He was willing to lay down his life for the calling God had placed upon. He was willing to sacrifice prestige and honor (man made honor) just so he could follow the commands of the one true God. This wonderful character trait is exemplified in Jeremiah 26. In verses 7-24 we see how and why the life of Jeremiah was being threatened. We also see in these verses how he was willing to lay down his life rather than back away from the truths God had commanded him to share.

You and I may never be in that kind of life threatening situation (though you never know for sure) but we will find ourselves in similar situations where God wants us to speak truth that will not be pleasant for the hearer. If God calls us to share those kinds of convicting or unpleasant words then we must share no matter what the consequences may be. If God is behind what we are saying then it must be said.

Have you ever found yourself in those kinds of situations? Did you speak the truth God wanted you to share? Or did you hide behind your fear?

I know have not always shared the truth God laid on my heart. It is something that God and I are working on. It is something where I am recognizing a growing need within myself to abandoned fears and move forward into His peace and protection.