Jeremiah: When God Calls You to Hard ThingsIsampula

Day 2: Running the Race with Perseverance

Have you ever grown frustrated with God for allowing injustices to continue in the world or perhaps even in your own workplace, school, neighborhood or family? Jeremiah did. When he became fed up with all the horrible things happening, he went to God and openly questioned him about his justice.

Jeremiah asked God why the wicked were allowed to continue destroying his nation and land. He wanted to know why God allowed him to suffer at the hands of evil men and women set out to humiliate and destroy him. How long would God allow these people to continue?

What follows is a somewhat difficult response to hear. God replies, “If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?” (Jeremiah 12:5, NIV).

God gave a stunning rebuke. He challenged Jeremiah’s perception and complaint. If Jeremiah couldn’t take the current opposition, how would he “compete with the horses” when things became even worse? God was asking Jeremiah to endure hardship and persevere through the trial that he was facing. God knew the trials would only increase, and Jeremiah was going to need to develop the strength and resolve to stand strong. Yes, Jeremiah was already going through some intense training, but one day, God knew, Jeremiah was going to need the fortitude and tenacity to race and contend with horses.

Interestingly, God didn’t rebuke Jeremiah for having the audacity to question him, but he did take the opportunity to speak truth into Jeremiah’s circumstances. When we are overwhelmed, we too, can openly and honestly share our hearts with God. After all, he already knows them. However, we must remember that God won’t always give us the answers we are looking for. When we choose to trust in God’s sovereignty, we can know that ultimately, whether here on earth or in heaven, we will one day understand his purposes and that in the meantime, he will give us the grace and strength to persevere.