Jeremiah 20:9 NLT
“But if I say I’ll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!”
Each call to service came with great promises from the LORD to His servants. However, they also faced hostilities from the people to whom they were sent. It appears that the more stiff-necked the people, the spectacular and intimate God’s call to His servants was. For instance, knowing what Jeremiah would go through in his ministry, the LORD had to set him apart before he was conceived, and appointed him as a prophet (Jer 1:4-5). It turned out that Jeremiah would suffer such great opposition, cruelty, and slander from the people he was sent to. At one point, they dared God and His servant, saying, “Where is the word of the LORD [that is, the disaster that you prophesied]? Let it come now!” (Jer 17:15 AMP).
Things got so bad that Jeremiah even regretted, saying, “Why was I ever born? My entire life has been filled with trouble, sorrow, and shame” (Jer 20:18 NLT). Could this be the reason as to why God personally gave Jeremiah an early and deep assurance that He (God) was the One who had called and appointed him? It is important to keep in mind that our faith in God may be tested concerning the very things that God has clearly spoken to us about. Thankfully, the LORD always speaks well in advance—before the enemy comes in with his distractions and deceptions—so that, whatever the situation, you will stand on nothing but His unfailing Word. Hallelujah!
In our reference text is a remarkable personal reflection that Jeremiah had within himself. He said, “But if I say I’ll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!” Hallelujah! Beloved, true peace and lasting satisfaction are found only in doing God’s will, regardless of the cost. God is up to fulfilling His plans and purposes; He will raise, anoint, equip, and use those available and willing to serve Him. He must do His work—and do it fully—before the appearing of His Son (1 The 4:15-17)! Oh, keep steadfast in Christ and do only that which pleases Him; it is the reason why God called you out of darkness into His marvelous light!
Pst. Emmanuel