A Difficult Call

For I am with you to rescue and save you.

Jeremiah 15:20

When God called Jeremiah to be a prophet, Jeremiah quickly reminded God of his inadequacies. God gently rebuked Jeremiah and said, I am with you and will rescue you (Jeremiah 1:8). Jeremiah’s arguing ceased. He accepted his mission and moved forward. 

I’ve tried to place myself in the shoes of Jeremiah. How would I have responded? When God said the word “rescue,” I would have raised my hand to pause His words and reverently asked, “Can you elaborate on that?” “Rescue” can be a scary word!

Throughout scripture God shows us that answering His call of service often leads to great difficulty. Jeremiah was rejected, ridiculed, beaten, falsely accused, placed in stocks, and lowered into a cistern. He faced these and other trials because he faithfully spoke God’s truth to the rebellious nation of Judah. God’s call resulted in persecution and great difficulty for Jeremiah. However, God’s promise held true. God rescued Jeremiah.

The lives of Moses, Paul, and especially our Lord Jesus Christ teach us these same truths. Following God often results in persecution, isolation, heartache, and suffering. Jesus said to His disciples, In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33).  Even as God promised Jeremiah that He would be with him and would rescue him, so Jesus promises to rescue His followers.  

Believer, are you facing difficulties and growing weary in your ministry? Call upon God your rescuer! Know that one day He will take us to be with Him forever. But for now, the difficulties you face present opportunities to experience God’s ever-present power. As you move forward in faith, you will come to know God more intimately. In the hands of the One who leads us, those difficulties become instruments through which God molds us into His character and makes us more effective servants.  

Thank You, God, for Your sustaining power. Thank You for the opportunity to see You turn difficulties into avenues of blessing as I serve You.

Jan Burkhart