TOPIC: Handling Opposition
MEMORISE: But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore, my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten. – Jeremiah 20:11
BIBLE READING: Jeremiah 20:7-13
7 O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me.
8 For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily.
9 Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.
10 For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.
11 But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.
12 But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause.
13 Sing unto the LORD, praise ye the LORD: for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers.
MESSAGE:
Jeremiah was God’s prophet who often delivered His ‘difficult’ messages to the people of Judah. Despite facing challenges, opposition, and persecution, he stayed faithful to his calling. In today’s Bible reading, he prayed earnestly for understanding and deliverance, seeking God’s guidance and strength in his ministry. God assured Jeremiah of His presence and promised ultimate victory, even though he continued to endure hardships.
Believe me, I don’t like trouble at all. If I were Jeremiah, I would have looked for more subtle ways to deliver God’s difficult’ messages to people just to avoid any conflict. There are prophecies that God will reveal to me about my country or the world that I would not tell anyone; instead, I will begin to fast and intercede for my country or the world. However, I admire Jeremiah’s courage to say things exactly as they were.
My dear child, if God has ever told you anything about your nation or someone before, you might have been called to be an intercessor. Don’t wait until you are older before you start interceding for others. Note, however, that whether you have a calling or not, everyone has been given a responsibility to intercede for the nations of the world. Psalm 122:6 tells us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Therefore, if you want it to be well with your Jerusalem (your country), you must pray
ACTION POINT:
Pray for your country for the next 10 minutes.
HYMN 27 – What A Friend We Have In Jesus
1 What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!Christian living books
2 Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
3 Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace thereReligion & Belief
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Chronicles 1:1-2:17, Acts 23:11-35
Authors: Pastor E. A. Adeboye anf Pastor Folu Adeboye