But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.
—JEREMIAH 20:9
WHEN MY BROTHER Jase and I went to seminary way back in 1988, this verse from the prophet Jeremiah became the motto for our entire class. We wanted to be men and women who never shrank back from an opportunity to be God’s spokesperson when there was something that He wanted said. Jeremiah is called the weeping prophet because not many people ever wanted to hear what he had to say, and God kept giving him some tough sermons to preach. God always has something He wants done on this earth, and His people are the ones to do it. And they will be able to do it, if they keep that fire in their hearts burning bright. Don’t hold back God’s message today!
Prayer
Father, give us the courage to hold up when things don’t go well and the people around us don’t seem interested in what You have to say through us. Please keep our fire lit and our hearts burdened to be Your man or woman this very day. We humbly ask this through Christ, amen.
—Al