If Necessary - - Are We Prepared to Suffer for our Faith?

If Necessary - - Are We Prepared to Suffer for our Faith?

 

Our Bible Study at Open Door Church began with several scriptures from Jeremiah and also Lamentations.  These are poetic books with deep meaning.

Jeremiah was called by God as a young lad.  He was shy and humble, but God gave him a special anointing to be a prophet and speak boldly the words of God.

False prophets were in the land and Jeremiah called them out.  This caused him enormous problems. 

Trials come at times to us all.  Often it is because of our choices, but not always.  There are times that trouble comes allowing us to grow and trust in God.  Remember that we are IN Him.  We can learn how to deal with difficult times and know God is with us.

Our teacher mentioned she knew a woman who was severely and ritualistic abused as a girl.  God gave her a dream and she went on to become a missionary.  She ministered to children who had been forced to kill as an initiation, and their anguish was so deep. 

Consider how God can use sorrow to understand the pain in others.

In Jeremiah’s day, the Jewish Nation was worshiping idols and other gods.  They were also reaching out to ungodly nations and doing terrible things.  Jeremiah preached repentance, and he was rigorously mocked.

Pashur the Priest put him in stocks because Jeremiah had said to repent and stop worshiping idols and other gods.

He also prophesied war was coming and for the people to go with their Chaldean capturers and live in their land.  Jeremiah Chapter 38 “This is what the Lord says: ‘Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine or plague, but whoever goes over to the Babylonians will live. They will escape with their lives; they will live.’ ³ And this is what the Lord says: ‘This city will certainly be given into the hands of the army of the king of Babylon, who will capture it.’”

These words did not set well with the Princes who wanted to kill Jeremiah.  Here the National and Religious leaders were against Jeremiah and his words to serve God and live a Holy life.  He did not whine and say “I am a victim.”

The King gave permission to do with Jeremiah as they wanted, and they cast him into a deep dungeon where he sank in the mire. 

EbedMelek, a Cushite, an official in the royal palace spoke to the King; “These men have done evil to God’s prophet.”  The king took pity and commanded them to take Jeremiah out of the pit.  Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the guard until the day Jerusalem was captured.   All of his prophesies came to pass as he had said.

The King of Babylon had respect to God’s prophet and brought him to his people.

Lamentations 3: 22-26  Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”  The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;  it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

Peter said, it is necessary when hardship comes to NOT give up, but hope and trust for God to give you strength to go through triumphant. 

The trial of your faith is valuable and important and more precious than gold.  Some situations are allowed to prove our dedication, so do NOT be defeated, but stand tall and be strong in the Lord.