Leading in Difficult TimesSample

Leading in Difficult Times: Jeremiah 

by David Bibee

Among all the biblical figures familiar to us, the prophet Jeremiah stands as a unique example of perseverance in his calling. At a very young age, God called Jeremiah to a bitter task—to proclaim God’s judgment “for all their evil in forsaking me” against God’s people. The weeping prophet, as Jeremiah is called, pleaded with the people to repent and receive God’s mercy. And, with his prophetic words falling on deaf ears, Jeremiah bore witness to the devastation that resulted: the temple turned to rubble and the survivors were expelled from the promised land, and taken again into slavery. But, while Jeremiah’s people did not hear his words in his day, his example to us is precious as a model for facing dark times with faithfulness.

 

In the face of assassination attempts, beatings, imprisonment, kidnapping, and more, Jeremiah was able to persevere, not because of his own strength, but because he trusted that the Lord would be strong on his behalf. God promised Jeremiah, “They shall not prevail [for] I am with you, declares the LORD, to deliver you” (Jeremiah 1:19), and he lived in light of that truth no matter the cost.

 

Jeremiah demonstrated an honest relationship with God, in the midst of pain, anger, and even despair. His life is a shining example of what an abiding relationship with God looks like when we walk in darkness. Jeremiah trusted God enough to be honest, laying the full measure of his pain and anger before the Lord, not obscuring his heart with pious pleasantries or platitudes: “My endurance has perished; so has my hope from the Lord” (Lamentations 3:18). But while his anguish was deep, he held on to what he knew to be true, saying, “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end… great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:21-23).

 

Most importantly, Jeremiah looked forward to the coming day when God would make a new covenant with his people—a time our hearts will be made new and our sins forever forgotten (Jeremiah 31:31-34). The King was coming to redeem his people.

As you face times of difficulty, look to Jeremiah’s example. Even more, let us look to Christ, the King that Jeremiah prophesied about. Because of what Jesus has done to rescue you and me, we can say, no matter what our circumstances, “Great is your faithfulness.” Lay your pain, anger, confusion, and fears before Jesus, knowing that He wept as well (John 11:35), but one day will wipe every tear away (Rev. 21:4). As God promised to uphold Jeremiah, so too has He promised you, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).