When we consider the challenges that we are facing, it may seem hopeless at times. The prophet Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet because he faced such difficult circumstances. He was in prison because he was obedient to God by warning the king of Judah. Jeremiah told the people, not what they wanted to hear, but what they needed to hear. There may be times in your life when people will be angry with you because you’re speaking the truth. Israel had sinned and followed false gods and Jeremiah knew that the nation would be swept away for a time, but he kept his eyes on God. When we view our situation from God’s perspective, we learn that nothing is too difficult for God:

Ah Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You, (Jeremiah 32:17)

The interjection Ah denotes a great emotion and the word may be a blend of despair coupled with a sense of wonder and awe. Jeremiah confirmed his trust in God’s word by purchasing a field even though he knew the nation would be conquered. He was told to keep the deed in an earthenware jar for safe keeping indicating the land would be returned. From our perspective, buying land in Judah in the face of an impending invasion did not make sense, but Jeremiah followed the Lord’s instructions. What is your response when God’s directives to you do not seem to make sense?Jeremiah’s declaration of God’s ability was then followed by the Lord’s confirmation of His power:

Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying, “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:26-27)

This is reminiscent of God’s promise to give Abraham and Sarah a son in their old age. Our limitations are no problem for God’s immeasurable abilities:

Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. (Genesis 18:14)

The nation of Israel would learn that God’s justice is assured to those who disobey Him, but His mercy is great to those who follow Him:

For this is what the LORD says: “Just as I brought all this great disaster on this people, so I am going to bring on them all the good that I am promising them.” (Jeremiah 32:42)

How can we have tenacious faith like Jeremiah? The key was his prayer life. God commands us to call to Him in prayer:

“Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)

May we earnestly call out to God and He will reveal to us great and mighty things, which we do not know.

Rick Higgins

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark