Jodi was one of those fortunate people who knew exactly what she wanted to be when she grew up. Her goal was a beautiful one: to be a clinical dietitian who could bring nutritional education to people in impoverished cultures. Have you known someone like that? I love and admire those people, but I’m definitely not one of them. Besides a love of spending time outdoors, I never had a clear vision for my life and was a bit paralyzed throughout college, not knowing what career path to choose or direction to take. The world held seemingly endless possibilities, but this only crippled me in the decision-making process.
Jeremiah’s calling was clearly and specifically communicated to him. Scripture tells us that long before he was even born, God intended to use him as His prophetic instrument. “I chose you before I formed you in the womb,” God declared. “I set you apart before you were born” (Jeremiah 1:5). Commanded to warn the people of Judah against apostasy, Jeremiah received instructions for his calling very early on in life—a clear purpose with detailed words from the Lord for the salvation and flourishing of a specific people.
Even so, Jeremiah protested, saying, “Oh no, Lord God! Look, I don’t know how to speak since I am only a youth” (v.6). Wouldn’t we react the same way? Imagine how intimidating it must’ve been to be chosen as God’s mouthpiece for the purpose of declaring judgment and punishment on the sins of the nations. Not only was the job description itself daunting, but the guy delivering it was still really young and without much life experience. But God reassured Jeremiah again and again that He would be there to rescue him (vv.7–8, 19).
As comforting as God’s reassurance must have been, the call to be His prophet was in no way an easy job for Jeremiah. On the other hand, what a blessing and relief to have God specifically communicate His calling for you at such a young age. Jeremiah knew what it would look like to obey God’s will. Now he just had to walk in it.
What about you? Where do you find comfort in the story of Jeremiah’s calling?
God chooses all of our callings. Designing us to carry out a unique purpose at a specific time and place, He equips us with gifts to help bring restoration to the world (Hebrews 13:21). How exciting is that? Even when we shudder in our boots a little, like Jeremiah did, we can rest assured knowing that He who calls is with us.
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151 thoughts on "The Call of Jeremiah"
I found your article after I typed “What is ‘The Jeremiah Calling?’” and your blog article popped up at the top. There’s a reason I did this search on 5:55 10/25. God has shown me some seriously hard facts about my calling and now it’s all making sense. Many years ago in 1983 His anointing came upon me physically during a prayer meeting. A prophet in this group then began to speak to me about the calling of God on my life. He asked if I loved Him then said “Feed my Sheep” three times but said lambs too. Not long after He spoke through His word saying “You are my mouthpiece” and soon after my entire tongue was covered by ulcers. The church I’d been attending was the first I can remember where God opened my eyes through experience to show me the heart of the pastor at that time. It was grievous in my spirit. As a newly Spirit filled believer I was stunned. In tears I drove home and sat at my table where my Bible was laying there opened to Isaiah 51:12-16, ““I, I am he who comforts you; who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, of the son of man who is made like grass, and have forgotten the Lord, your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth, and you fear continually all the day because of the wrath of the oppressor, when he sets himself to destroy? And where is the wrath of the oppressor? He who is bowed down shall speedily be released; he shall not die and go down to the pit, neither shall his bread be lacking. I am the Lord your God, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the Lord of hosts is his name. And I have put my words in your mouth and covered you in the shadow of my hand, establishing the heavens and laying the foundations of the earth, and saying to Zion, ‘You are my people.’””
Two weeks ago I visited a new hairstylist. She was a believer who’d been referred to me. As we chatted she suddenly said “I just saw a white door.” I said what?…A white door?” She said “Yes, I saw a white door.” I knew the Lord was showing me that He was going to open a door that only He could open. A righteous door. I have too many experiences in my past and up to date of things He has shown me while attending various churches and people to bore anyone with here, but I’m sharing this to show whoever reads this that this is what God doing right now to reveal the specific calling on me. I’ve cried in times past asking the Lord “Why?! Why am I like a magnet to these people and churches?!” “Why do I see what these people are not even seeing in their own churches?!” This morning I opened my Oswald Chambers devotional post in my email and it was about a specific calling God has placed on the lives of some men and women and an urgency to respond to that calling. Then at the bottom of the message was a link with a list of two books of the Bible and the scripture for those who are reading through the Bible in one year. I gasped when I saw it…”it said, “Jeremiah.”
He spoke strongly in my spirit last night as I laid in bed listening to Jeremiah 20. I thought to myself…”That’s been my entire life.” “Persecution through the church and His people.” I now have peace and a clearer understanding of my calling. Thank you for being a part of this confirmation. Many blessings.
Waiting to learn what God has for me to do, I know he has a plan with a purpose! ❤️
There is such peace and comfort from knowing that God has a calling and a plan for us! Needed this tonight!
It’s humbling & majestic to know that God has a plan for all of us! We each have specific gifts given to us to use for His glory. We may not always see our gifts at a young age, but we have hope knowing that we indeed will one day open our eyes to our gift & have the strength to use it! I sing & for many years I was going in the wrong direction. Not in a bad direction, just wrong. I haven’t wanted to be rich or famous for it, but I know music can help people. I’ve always seen my gift this way: as a way to help others just as music has always helped me. But trying to record became a difficult & expensive task. Maybe I’m just meant to sing in church? Maybe just in the car to friends and family and spread the word that way? Maybe just through social media a little to reach those who feel lost out there in the world. I’m still on my singing journey but I know God has great plans for me! He has great plans for you too friends! Stay in your lane & watch for His signs!
I’ve been contemplating making career change and leaving teaching. I felt that my purpose from God was to teach but I trust that He has a purpose for me. Hebrews 13:21 promises that He has that purpose for me!
In this case, the ignorance of youth might be exactly why Jeremiah was openly called openly by God at such a young age. If Jeremiah had known how hard the job description was and what a lonely desolate job he had ahead ahead of him, he might have run the other way. Jeremiah’s experience of being chosen and called reminded me of John the Baptist.
Thankful for a God who knows my plans before I do. And the ability to test in that what is meant for me will not pass me by. God has chosen me for something and by his grace and mercy I will go.
I’m a little late to the game here, as I know I’m reading this two months after it was posted. I’m in the same boat as the writer of the devotional- I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing with my life. I’ve just graduated high school and I’m headed to college in the fall with an undeclared major. Further, quarantine has completely destroyed any kind of extracurricular I was involved in. I’ve felt so lost and so aimless these past few weeks.
I know, though, that this is in God’s plan. And that no matter where my life takes me, the real goal is to worship him and spread the good news. I’m grateful for his divine timing and the truth that he provides us- I really needed to hear this message today.
There have been so many times in my life that I have felt God calling on me. It doesn’t have to be something monumental. It could just be that little nudge to ask a friend how they’re doing or to surprise someone you love with something to brighten their day. It’s these little moments that can totally transform someone and I love knowing that God has picked me to help with his message.
This day’s study is so reassuring for those of us staring down uncertainties like layoffs, changing industries, and lives put on hold. I’m so thankful for God’s promise that he has already written His plan for my life, and this, too, was in that book. Jeremiah’s example is so helpful in calming fears and anxieties. Praying for you all!
Amen!
For my people have committed two evils. They have forsaken me, the fountain of living water, and they have made cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that hold no water. Lord help me see my broken cisterns and and turn instead to your living water.
Love these reflections. The other thing I am thinking of is the reality that Jeremiah was still human in the midst of being called. Which meant he still feel short. I Imagine, he felt what a lot of us feel as believers, and imposter syndrome.
How encouraging to read that God not only empowered Jeremiah by saying “you can do it” but also “I will do it!” What a powerful reminder to all Christians. If God has called us to something he will give us the words, the ways – and because He is all powerful He will accomplish His work. We will just be lucky if we get to take part – and once we’re called that is up to us.
Right now my calling is to realize God made me to exalt Jesus. I have spent way too much time trying to find my purpose and thinking it’s all about me. God created me to do something great. In reality God created me to point to Jesus. Jesus did it. I’m here simply as a mirror to his grace. Not as an instrument of my own power
I was struck at how God’s calling to Jeremiah wasn’t sugar coated at all. He tells him, ‘I’m sending you to do this really hard thing. People aren’t going to like it. They are going to be against you. You will need rescue. I will rescue you.’
I feel like often when I hear or think about God’s calling being hard it’s kind of an abstract idea. Maybe the hard is glossed over to focus on the eventual beauty that is to come? Or maybe I just like to avoid the difficult so I don’t think about it. I am also pondering if rescue always means the end of hardship or just a support through it and what that looks like.
So, no real resolution here, just thoughts. :)
Love your thoughts! I know in my life sometimes he rescues me from a situation entirely, but then sometimes the rescue comes from changing my heart and protecting me from the hurt of a situation without actually physically removing me from it. The times he doesn’t physically remove me from it but guards me and protects me as I walk through it are powerful and build my faith in profound ways. Probably solely because they are so uncomfortable and I am fully aware I could not withstand what I am sitting in without his grace and love.
God chooses all of our callings. Designing us for a specific time and place for those callings. I sometimes want to say oh no not this calling Lord. Thank God He equips us for whatever He calls us to even if we are not so sure.
❤️❤️❤️
God’s word is so relevant to how we live today and it’s soo beautiful to know he calls us back to him because he picked us before we ever knew him. He picked us bc those around us need him too and he wants us to be his mouthpiece.
I’m in the middle of a transition, leaving urban education after 7 years to move by myself closer to my parents in the Midwest. It’s been scary to not know what is coming next in life- to have no clear career direction. It’s comforting to remember that knowing what’s next in life is NOT my job. Like Jeremiah, my role is to trust God and obey and know he leads us into our callings if we do just that.
I was not familiar with the word apostasy until I looked it up while reading the first chapters of Jeremiah. The internet yielded a definition of “an abandonment or renunciation.” God is clearly pointing out that his people have abandoned and renounced him, and this idea holds up the mirror of truth to my own life. Where have I abandoned or renounced my Lord? Even the most faithful among us are still human with all the trappings and impediments that make us such. This question is a call for self-reflection and examination, especially in lenten preparation for our promised salvation.
God hints to this promise in the first chapter of Jeremiah with a vision of a branch of an almond tree (Jer. 1:11). I don’t know much about almond trees, so I looked it up. Almond trees are one of the earliest to bud, blossom, and bear fruit in the spring, this vision serves as a signal of God’s”divine haste” to follow through on his promise to his people. But why? The next few chapters of the book are spent with God describing the apostasy of his people. In chapter 3:5, God presents the dilemma. His people have not only turned from him, but they also refuse to admit that they have. So, will he save them, or won’t he? God did make a promise to humanity following the flood that he would not destroy humanity again, and he always keeps his promises. His people, us, have already abandoned him. They are not deserving of salvation for their sins are grievous – and yet he follows through on his promise of salvation anyway. If that is not love I don’t know what is.
How can we walk in this path of righteous forgiveness? God clearly outlines in the first chapters of Jeremiah what he wants us to run towards and what he wants us to run from. He desires us to run from idols of our own making. From choices and behaviors that separate us from him. From our uncontrolled passions and desires. He wants us to run from anything that results in hopelessness and shame. His list of what he desires us to run to is equally clear. He wants us to seek him, to ask where he is. He wants us to run to his promise, to have faith to follow him into the wilderness, to love him as a bride. He desires us to run towards loyalty, hope, discipline, and the word.
There is only a one-letter difference between grace and grave. God’s call to us through Jeremiah is a challenge to ask, “Where is the Lord?” Who or what are the false idols of our lives, the works of our own hands that we worship in acts of abandonment and renunciation of God? Just as a single letter in change can turn the grave into grace, the path laid out to grace in Jeremiah is simple and clear. Our thoughts become our words. Our words become our actions. Our actions become our reality. The Israelites Jeremiah is writing about lack a consistent, holy flow from their thoughts to their reality resulting in sin and separation from God. Lent is a beautiful opportunity to build up the walls of our inner sanctuary, to give our thoughts a home with the Holy Spirit where they can be evaluated and reflected upon before they spill out from our mouths and give shape to our reality. I was so inspired by reading the connection to Isaiah because the angel touches Isaiah’s mouth and removes his sin. But speaking from the Holy Spirit, we can avoid sinful words, and thus sinful actions, and thus a sinful reality, thus allowing us to be more holy, more like God.
God can shape our reality if we create space to let him. As Bailey Gillepsie writes in the commentary, “The world holds seemingly endless possibilities, but this only crippled me in the decision-making process.” God sets parameters for how we think, speak, and act. He limits our possibilities by asking us to choose what will bear good fruit – love, joy, kindness, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – by limiting our choices He opens up limitless possibilities for us, but we have to let him in. We have to seek him. We have to ask, “Where are you Lord?” because in choosing the next right thing, “they will fight against you, but never prevail over you, since I am with you to rescue you” (Jer. 1:19).
This reflection is SO good! Thank you for posting.
Excellent! Thank you!
I’m a little late to joining this group, this reflection was beautiful! Thank you for sharing
This was a beautiful reflection! Really helped me to understand the passage as well, thank you!
Honestly, I was feeling a little lost after reading the passages.. I didn’t even know how to start my reflection – deciding which aspect of the passage to grasp first. But I’m so glad I managed to see your post in such a timely manner and loved the things that you highlighted. Thank you for sharing, God bless!
Speaking from a place of transition for our family, it is comforting to know that God created me and called me in the womb. Even though I cannot see ahead and “into the unknown” (gosh that song from Frozen 2 gets me every time!) God has the plan already figured out, to step and walk in obedience to Him.
I’ve never felt like God has spoken to me in any way and I’ve never felt like I know what my calling is. This story reassured me that God does have a calling for me – SPECIFICALLY for me. I might not know what it is but He chose me to accomplish it and He will be there right alongside me the entire way, supporting me whenever I need it.
Today’s reading brought so much emotion out of me. I felt as if I were in Gods place, watching my dearly loved children walk the complete opposite direction from where I was. I felt His confusion, His sorrow, His tears as they fell from his face.
How could they??? How could they walk away from the very God who delivered them, loved them and set them apart?
Wait, how could I?
How could I walk away from a God who created me, chose me, and set me apart? How could I beg my God for an answer, healing or blessing and then the second I receive what I asked for, turn away until I needed him again?
Grace is really coming into perspective for me today. Thank you, God for your grace upon grace upon grace.
What a beautiful perspective. Amen and amen, Moriah! Thank you for sharing. Being a mama does make me feel so much more the grace and love the Father has towards us as his chicken. ❤️
Exactly what I felt too. These verses really convicted me today. Thanks for sharing ❤️
13for my people have committed two evils:
they have forsaken me,
the fountain of living waters,
and hewed out cisterns for themselves,
broken cisterns that can hold no water.
What a good reading !!
Thankful for the truth that God does not call me to do something and then abandon me to do it of my own ability. He is ALWAYS with me.
My dad passed away last May at 56 after having dementia. He was in and out of the hospital and was always a “fall risk” patient. It still doesn’t feel real! He was so loving, smart, and fun! My calling now has me in a job arriving international nurses to U.S. hospitals. It’s neat, but the hospital visits are much more painful reminders than I ever expected! I see sick people and have so many flashbacks whenever I go in one. I’m grateful that God promises not to leave me!
Love this Mari, thanks for sharing
“What fault did your fathers find in me
that they went so far from me,
followed worthless idols,
and became worthless themselves?”
How very convicting and eye opening. The many times I have strayed/wandered in my walk with the Lord…and it all boils down to me “finding fault with Him”. I never looked at it that way, but that is it in its most basic form – I “find fault” with God -find other things a better use of my time or more of a priority – and change my focus and stray. And anything I put ahead of God, no matter how good it may seem, is still an idol. I am thankful for the truth of His Word to me today. God is good all the time.
Wow, I never thought of this that way. Very eye opening for me too! I stray from my walk and at times I feel like I’ve been abandoned by God but, I never thought it’s me subconsciously or even consciously acting and thinking God is at fault. When it’s my wandering and continuing to think I can be fulfilled by other things or idols that causes this separation from him. Such a beautiful reminder that we need Jesus, he chose us, and is always and forever with us: Thanks for sharing your insight!
The call to love god as our one and only is so clear. I must trust that the plan for me starts when i listen to god. Clear acceptanc and gratitude must. Ome first
I have been in a season of change now for sometime. The Lord in his graciousness and mercy seems to be preparing me for something new. His promise to Jeremiah—dont worry, I know what is coming and I’ve got your back. Trust me — is so encouraging. He’s leading me forward. So I’m just going to trust Him. Praying for faith to do just that!!
Madi Black, I am also student teaching right now. I have been called in Art Education. Some days are hard and frustrating, and in ways I did not expect! Praying for you today <3
I find comfort in Jeremiah’s calling for 2 reasons… 1) God doesn’t give up and stop loving me because of my sin and 2) God is always with me ~ and He helps me Tremendously!!! I literally cannot do life without Him! I’m not 100% clear on my specific life calling ~ other than to Glorify my Lord… ❤️ and to show others who Jesus is through me:)
Kendall Ventura, could I, in love just say, you are in a calling for this season.. looking after little people is a calling. God chose you to be the little person (persons) mummy!
Don’t sell yourself short and worry that your mind is taken up with this tough, sometimes overwhelming ‘job’, though, so so rewarding and beautiful.. you are where God wants you to be! Enjoy it!
Many, many blessings Kendall.❤
My husband and I co-pastor a church and non-profit and my age gets commented on a lot. This was a good reminder that God placed me in this time and place for a reason. I need to be confident in the calling.
I needed the reminder today that God still has a calling on my life. I’m so often overwhelmed by motherhood and making it through the day that I forget that he still has purpose for me and that I need to seek it out and walk in it boldly.
I feel the exact same way!!!
Morherhood IS God’s calling on your life! You are being a Kingdom mover and shaper, by nurturing and training up your children in the ways of God! https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9a/8c/24/9a8c24865c8e440a5c19fd645d5d2919.jpg I LOVE this quote!
They would not remember what God had done for them although He told them many times to remember and teach their children.
It is a remembrance of his salvation- when they were brought out of Egypt. This is the same reason why we are called to remember Jesus’ sacrifice and the salvation that brought with it through communion. It realigns our focus and keeps us near to his heart
I love this story in the Bible because I think one of the universal struggles as humans is dealing with FEAR. Dealing with the feeling of being inadequate even when we know our Creator has called us to a specific purpose. I love the comfort the Lord brings to Jeremiah over and over. Just as He has done to me over and over. Kindly reminding me that He will continue to rescue me in my moments of doubt and fear. He is always there with me.
Today was a very hard day. I have been called into special education, and I am currently doing my student teaching. The whole student teaching experience has been challenging in ways I did not expect, but this was a beautiful reminder of God’s calling for me. He will not call me to something and abandon me when it gets hard. I feel sometimes like this task is too difficult, but it only brings more glory to God. Please pray for strength and peace for me as I continue this journey!
Just today I felt a push to apply to nursing school . Even though it doesn’t make sense to make this career change according to the logic of the world ( pay cuts , time spent away from kids to go to class), I have felt this on my heart for a long time but the timing never worked out , as we would be moving in the middle of a semester or I would miss the deadline to apply . It seems like it very possibly could all work out now . There are some unknown variables at play , so I take comfort in that God has a purpose for me and will work it out for His kingdom if it is my purpose ! God worry less about how the application process will play out and trust Gods plan.
Lord remind me that you’re here with me. Help me to tangibly feel your presence.
It’s Ash Wednesday. I was hoping there would be some mention of it here, but that’s ok. It’s the start of the Lenten season. It’s a time to remember what really matters- God. It’s also a time to fast, pray, meditate and repent. It’s a time to think about all of the mistakes and bad choices we’ve made, and to try again. It’s a time to renew our commitment to following Jesus. I look forward to this journey with you all.
In the podcast this week, they talk a lot about Lent and it’s purpose. Today was the first day of reading Jeremiah, to coincide with the start of Lent.
What about you? Where do you find comfort in the story of Jeremiah’s calling?
It’s a Blessing to know that God is not going to put you through anything that he isn’t going to equip you with. I always remember “If God brings you to it, he’ll carry you through it.”
Love that ❤️
Dear sisters, let us not become legalistic in regards to fasting, or not, during Lent. We prayerfully consider what the Lord would have us fast, add or maintain so that we might draw closer to our Lord. Let us also prayerfully consider if we are to fast daily throughout this season or if we are to “take Sunday off.” There is no Biblical law in regards to this and we are no longer under the law but under grace always. It is an individual decision. Let us focus on the goal – being closer to our Lord at the end of Lent than we were at the beginning. Amen.
Today was a hard day at work. I am a high school counselor, and some students due to their home lives take their frustration and insecurity out on me. Today’s reading and devotional reminded me that in my job He is with me. I can view it as continued ministry of bringing restoration to students hearts. How much that helps me on the hard days is beyond words. I can freely love and forgive because He freely fills me very day.
I’m a sophomore in college, so a couple years removed from high school (I feel so old)…but I know just having someone there and consistent in those high schoolers lives make a HUGE impact. Keep pushing into those students. You do more than you realize. You’re a rockstar !!!
I’m a sophomore in college…so a bit removed from high school. But I know that your consistency and your fight to stay by their side means the world to them, even if they never say it. Keeping pushing into those students’ lives. You’re a rockstar!!!
Thank you father for blessing each and every one of us with a calling so that we may honor and glorify you on this earth. I pray over myself and others who are still trying to find the calling you have called us too.
Yes. You don’t need to fast on Sundays.
Tina, I fully agree with you, He never sends (you) where He will not be.
Confident Overcomer you’re so right, “God is still faithful to complete the good work He started in me.”
Sherri Nicholas and Kelly Palmer, I remember the toddler season of my two sons and how rough it was trying to care for them while I worked. I’ll be praying for you.
Jonelle Olson, praying for you to have strength.
Bessie H., everyone needs encouragement at some point and some days they may need a lot so keep up the good work.
Cassie Kendall, I never thought of it that way.
Mari V. as long as you have God and Christ you can do anything.
Amanda, I believer in both. I believe God has a plan for us but it is up to us to follow it. I believe if we follow God’s plan our life, as we know it, will run smoothly but if we decide to take detours along the way then we are bound to have adversities. Remember this is my belief, so you can take it or leave it. (My father brought me up this way.)
Amen and totally agree, Catherine Surratt, Pat E., Kelly, Nancy Hawkins, NanaK, Jessica Chatigny, Alexis, Kara, Lynette Lovelace, Kelcy Pryor, Helen MacGregor, Bridgette Alvarez, Peyton Grace Potts, and LaToya Wanser.
Praying for you, Clara Cabrera, Nedja Wallace, Erin Barth, Jamie Taylor, Carrie Hammer, Katarina Santiago, Emilee.
God bless all you my sisters in Christ.
I love how God calls and uses us right where we are in life. Many times I think I have to have obtained a certain status in order to be used. All he asks is for us to trust him and be obedient to his calling
When you give up something for Lent, do you break it on Sundays, cause the forty days doesn’t include Sundays???
Yes
Yes the Sabbaths in lent are traditionally feast days so you can break your fast on Sundays.
The Lord has plans for us before we are even born! He has what’s best set out for us. I know I often think that I can’t do the things He calls me to because of some fault or another. But He is always with me like He was with Jeremiah, and that is encouraging.
The world is constantly vying for my attention. It’s so easy to turn from God and follow other things. I want to fight to stand firm in Him and His ways. I want to grow close to Him again. I feel like in the last few years I got away from God – like I was more going through the motions and there was distance between us. I said this year I wanted to FOCUS on being intentional and growing closer again. I can already tell that this study is going to push me in difficult ways, but I can’t wait to see God work.
Does anyone else struggle with today’s reading and the idea of having been called (predestined) versus the free will to choose to follow Christ? Have we been chosen and called, or do we have free will? I’m not sure I believe in an actual “God’s will” for my life in the sense that I should be in a particular profession or live in a certain place or marry a specific person. Are these things totally separate and I’m confusing them? I’m in a place of seeking and searching, and these ideas are both confusing and distracting to me.
I’ve thought about this a lot too. The language of “calling” and “chosen” and “known” is used so much in Scripture, that I do believe God is calling each one of us to something. However, God never promised to reveal this right away to everyone. Mostly God’s Will is simply doing the next right thing. A bunch of little good faith steps eventually lead to a fulfilled life’s calling (even if we don’t see it yet).
Thanks Stephanie. Great insight
I love this insight, thank you.
I just love being reminded that if God calls me to do something I don’t need to be afraid because I’m not going to be left to do it in my own strength. If God says it’s going to be, it’s going to be. If God says it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen.
Such a great reminder ❤️
Haven’t sung this for a long time but it popped into my head, prompted by today’s study. It’s by Sam Chaplin. Lyrics just seem the perfect sentiment and the chorus is a prayer I always need to pray:
Two sins have we committed,
Two sins that we cannot deny,
We’ve turned from you, the fount of living water
And have tried to drink from cisterns cracked and dry
Chorus:
What fools we are, how blind we are!
Have mercy Lord, mercy on us. Forgive us Lord and help us see.
Change our hearts that we might live
For you O Lord, for you, O Lord, always
Two sins have we committed,
Two sins are plain before your eyes
We’ve walked away from the truth that brings us freedom
And have settled for those sweet enslaving lies
Two sins have we committed,
Two sins at which you stand appalled.
We’ve turned from you, our glorious Creator
And have worshipped things that are no gods at all.
I love being a part of the SRT community and always read your comments but never contribute but today the Spirit is nudging me to share this xx
Love those lyrics! Thanks for sharing.
First of all, wow! God is mad with Israel, and he’s right for it. There’s so much to talk about today. But what stood out to me was Jeremiah 2:5 in today’s society people have gone and worshiped money, wealth, popularity, useless earthly stuff and have forgotten about God making themselves worthless. Even me when I cling to something I know is wrong I know I’m making myself worthless in that specific subject. God wants our repentance and to have him and only him in our hearts and minds ❤️
Yes!
My husband was just offered a job in a town that I haven’t ever considered desirable… so we are going to be moving too… I’ve also felt a pull from god for several years to peruse schooling to become a counselor… and conveniently the town that we will be moving to is only 20 minutes from the school I’d dreamt about going to… Gods hand can feel so random at times yet so good… but that doesn’t make it easy to everyday step out in faith… and trusting that he’s got you every step of the way.
I pray you continue to see his leading and goodness as you take this step of faith!
Emilee… I have been right where you are … 3 times in the last 10 years…. and the first move “rocked MY world”… and now my husband and are praying about where God needs us next in HIS world, not mine. I have been weaker than I could have ever imagined yet His strength lifted me up…. my heart is with you sweet sister in Christ…. I am praying for you and I know God will give you the strength, wisdom and hope you will need…. what an exciting time in your life…. find joy in the unknown… He has plans for you to glorify Him in all you do!!!
Wow that’s awesome. So hard I know having moved from somewhere I felt safe and comfortable but so cool He’s making His path clear for you in this time.
Reading God’s word is a blessing, thank you so much for the reading
Loving this study so much!
The question where do you find comfort in Jeremiah’s calling is a little hard! But, I can say I find a two-fold comfort: as God told Jeremiah He would equip him and give him the words and courage necessary, so He will give us wherever He places us! Secondly, praise God that He never gave up on His children, even when angry and hurt by their betrayals, He loved them and wanted them to return to Him. Thank you Lord for Jesus who saves and for the Holy Spirit who convicts and guides us unto repentance and rightness with our awesome God!
My call is to a protector of the utterly horrendous damage we do to the earth, which we were caleed to take care of. Took me a minut to figure out why i was surrounded by people ho dint believe but i kno i
10“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,ts because it was His plan
Jeremiah 1:5 was such a good reminder this morning. I am currently pregnant and we have been having complications with the pregnancy. The doctors are not sure if the baby is going to survive but I felt like God was speaking right to me saying I have know this child before I placed it in your womb and I have a plan for it. He will be with me through this process and his plan is bigger than mine.
I’m praying for you Katarina!
Lord, today I feel like I’ve been given a task that’s too big for me, but I know I can’t do this alone. Help give me the clarity through your word. Help me give up earthly desires so I can be closer to your heart. Let me hear your calling for me. Let me see your calling for me. Give me the confidence & peace in my heart to pursue your will.
Ash Wednesday, my personal sin that I see is written throughout this text. Thank you God for Jesus. I am in a place where my fear is pushing me and my faith keeps reminding me as though a loop recording, “this won’t happen”, then my faith saying “ God brought you here, it will be what his plan is.” I keep praying over and over for more faith. God, help me have faith.
This stood out to me today: Jeremiah knew what it would look like to obey God’s will. Now he just had to walk in it.
This season, God has called me to walk in my ministry. It’s scary because I don’t know how I will be able to do it. I have to remember that God is with me, He won’t leave me and with Him, I will not fail. I just have to trust Him and walk in what God has called me too. If 17 year-old Jeremiah can do it, so can I.
I really needed this today. Our family of 5 is moving in two days and I am stressed to the max. I am a Christian counselor and will be starting a private practice. This is something I never wanted to do but know the Lord is in it. I once read somewhere to go one step at a time and that God provides at His timing and through Faith. This is such a huge step of faith for me and I am full of doubt and worry. But I know that He goes before me like he did Jeremiah. I will go because He has called me and He will equip me (and bring people to me.)
I am also moving in 4 days, and cannot see how it will all work out. I just keep packing, going to work, praying in every breath for reassurance. I only know that God has gotten me through everything before and we will go through this. I’m praying for your move, Jamie. I am also being called to counseling, but my path hasn’t opened up to that yet, I am reminded daily of that, but the path of school has not cleared yet. But you are an inspiration to me today, to know that I am not the only one feeling out the unknown.
Praying fir you Nedja and Clara!
The verse that is sticking with me this morning (aside from being a wandering donkey in heat!) is when God quotes Judah’s attitude as being, “It’s hopeless. I will go to foreigners because I lust after them.” What evil in my life am I giving into because I believe it’s hopeless? Losing my cool with my kids? Cutting corners at work? Giving up on meaningful spirit work together as a family?
As I began reading chapter 1 of Jeremiah this morning two versus literally sprung out at me. A few weeks ago I mentioned I was thrown a curve ball and that curveball finally hit home yesterday. I took a deep breath knowing Jesus is with me.
A bit scared but I know that Jesus is with me. Verse 8 tells Jeremiah not to be afraid. God is with him. That is an affirmation. If God was with Jeremiah I know, that know God is with me! Verse 19 reminds me again. Even if I fought against HE is with me! He will rescue me! I really, really needed this, this morning. Assurance, affirmation, knowing that Jesus goes before me. He’s got this!
Bessie: Being an encourager is such a tremendous calling! There are SO many days when I could use encouragement and yet our society is so caught up in “self;” promoting self, finding strength in self…etc. THANK YOU for using your God-given gift to encourage others!
Churchmouse: As I was reading the passages today, I was underlining them in my book and noting how much our country is so like Israel. Haven’t we as a nation, turned our back on God and everything imaginable (and so many unimaginable) replacements for Him? The WORD tells us this is the way it will be, but it doesn’t make it any less discouraging…BUT GOD…we know His plan and we know HE will be glorified in the end. And like Jeremiah, we can lean into His strength and proclaim His message until He returns.
“Through Him you believe in GOD, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in GOD.” 1 Peter 1:21 Hallelujah! Amen!
I think when we really pursue God, we all feel a little like Jer here— like we’ve been given a task too big for us (because we weren’t designed to do it alone). Mine is being a SAH Mom to my 16 month old triplets at the moment. I need to remember that God called me into this WITH his help (no on my own energy or might).
Jeremiah is pretty heavy stuff, but it breaks my heart like it’s intended to— I think. It makes me realize that we still seek out cracked cisterns today, when we could have living water.
“For my people have committed a double evil:
They have abandoned me,
the fountain of living water,
and dug cisterns for themselves—
cracked cisterns that cannot hold water.”
Wow, I can’t imagine triplets, I am busy enough staying at home with my six month old daughter. You are definitely right though, God gives us the strength we need for the task he has given us. Blessings!
Grateful to be on journey … what a blessing.
Help me lord to hear your plan for me. Even in my basic everyday living that I could hear your calling and listen to what you want me to do. Give me eyes to see the good in others and ears to listen to you.
I see so many parallels to our current society while reading this.
Yes. I did as well. We think we have come so far yet sin is sin and flesh is flesh.
So did I!
Amen, Churchmouse!
Every day I pray that God’s light will overcome and supplant the darkness that we are living through in our nation and that His truth will be made known to all people so that no one is deceived.
I was amazed reading this how much you can feel God’s heart through the passage. This doesn’t sound like an angry, heartless being that is angry because He’s not getting what He wants. This sounds like a jilted lover with a broken heart. You can feel over and over again the heartbreak as He describes all the things He’s done for Israel and the love He has for His people. You can see the longing He has for His people. I was especially struck by Jeremiah
2:32:
32 Can a young woman forget her jewelry
or a bride her wedding sash?
Yet my people have forgotten me
for countless days.
How could we ever forget the love of our hearts, the one that has given us hope and saved our souls? But we so easily do. I pray that we all feel closer to God than ever through this season, and that no one can say of any of us that we ignore our Savior.
And a quick prayer request update on Ethan: he has had two really good days with no nausea/coughing/trying to make himself sick! Thank you for your prayers, love you all!
Thank for for the update
I’m looking forward to this Lenten journey, seeking clarity in where and how I’m being called in this season of life. How beautiful that the Lord keeps us growing in Him. Never a dull moment when we actively seek His purpose daily through prayer and meditation.
This living water, that comes from believing in Jesus. Have I myself traded this in for water that I have gotten from a cracked cistern? Contaminated, not pure, dirty? Why do I return to this water and not continually go to Jesus, the living water?
Our pastor always says God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called!
This is for Bessie H. Encouragement is a huge gift! Not everyone can be empathetic or sympathetic to others. In this world of “me-ism”,you are shining God’s light to those who need a kind word of encouragement. May God sustain you in your very important work! Have a blessed day.
“I am With you” the most reassuring verse that Lord continues to tell us, even when we are filled with doubt. He is with us when we follow His calling, when we step out of our comfort zone , when our sin feels too heavy to bear, when we feel “too young” or inadequate. He is with us! Praise for that
Just to share about Callings: I love helping people do research and about 6 years ago embarked on a journey to complete a Masters degree in Library and Information Sciences with a focus in Archival Studies and digital preservation. In 2014 several Plot Twists left me with a deceased parent, failed marriage (his unfaithfulness wrecked me), loss of a pregnancy and completely alone. I did not complete my degree, but I was pursued by God, brought back to Him (was agnostic and reaccepted Christ in 2016) and have been so richly blessed the last 6 years with learning what is important and who is important in my life.
I thought my dream of archiving was dead (and not to fussed because God’s plans are often far better than mine). Over the weekend I had a few people approach me about finishing my degree and are praying with me to assist in that! If I could ask for all who read to join me in prayer as I seek a program to complete and the funds to complete it. I am so thankful for this community and Praises be to the God who hears and blesses even when we don’t deserve it! ❤️
Oh, you have my prayers! Go and do your thing! You were created for such a time as this!
That’s beautiful to hear, Nedja! Praying for abundance in your journey. I know God’s got great things for you!
Where God calls us, He is sure to equip us, and His protection is covering us. I needed to hear this today.
How difficult to be Jeremiah… God’s mercy is never ending, and in His mercy, He commissioned Jeremiah as His voice among the people. God had decided enough was enough, and Jeremiah’s job was to deliver that message faithfully to people who refused to listen.
So thankful for our Savior! I desperately need Him. Pondering all the ways I let my heart harden, my own stubbornness and getting stuck in my limited, fixed ways of thinking. Grateful for Jesus making atonement for my sins and the Holy Spirit at work in me!
Praying for you right now Sheri Nicholas and Kelly Palmer
I love how God chooses people who you would not expect. There are countless examples of when He overlooks the ‘obvious’ choice. In this case, He calls a child to be a prophet. God looks at the heart. He looks beyond the ‘obvious’ qualities and sees the heart. Then He calls us to exactly what He made us to do. In my case, I don’t have a clear calling. I don’t have an important ministry. I do have a gift of encouragement and I try to use it every day to lift up someone. God brings specific people to mind almost every day. It isn’t a huge thing, but I pray that God will use me.
This was such a good reading this morning. Great way to start my day. I love the “she reads truth” bible as well and use it along with reading on the website since my app won’t work. Has anyone else had this issue? And also, the boxed sets, does anyone get the actual books and are they worth it or is all of the info on here?
Hey Leah! Good morning sweet sister! I have been receiving the box sets for years and I LOVE them! The team always does an amazing job of putting little details in the books that you don’t see online. They have timelines, prayers, questions to journal on, details explaining parts of Scripture and diving in further ….. and sometimes fun recipes to boot! ;-) I also really enjoy space to journal out my thoughts from the Scripture reading and devotional from the day.
You can do a monthly payment which I think is around 30 dollars (or buy an individual book for specific studies). Sometimes if I am behind in my studies I can pray over the books and gift them to other sisters who may be going through a season in life that the Scripture study book can be a tool to help them as well!! The Lord really convicted my heart when I was thinking about the books and I felt on my heart that if I pay 50 dollars to fuel my car every couple of weeks why would I not spend 30 dollars a month to fuel my Spiritual self. I hope this helps a little!! Either way the website, app or the study books are all wonderful tools and whatever you are using the Lord will certainly meet you wherever you choose to study His word! Sending you sisterly love!
Hi there- I bought the book. It’s super nice, with thick pages. The first 2 days it had everything the app had- the scripture and lesson. But day 3 on send to just be the scripture. There are many extras in the book- songs, prayers, beautiful art work, and even some recipes. I like to have the books. It seems to keep me more focused. Hope this helps!
One of the games we play(ed) with our grandchildren is from the book, “Going on a Bear Hunt.” We lay out blankets, rugs, towels, pillows…to represent grass, water, mud, etc. we need to go THROUGH in order to get to the bear. Singing our song we go on the journey to find the bear. Brave and courageous we march forward!
This lenten season I am going on a God hunt. He tells us to Ask, Seek, and Knock. I am asking Him for more of Himself. I am seeking, with my armor on, ready to plow through grasses, water, mud – step by step, to draw closer to Him. I can’t go over, can’t go under, I’ve got to go through according to His plan and will. When I am forced to swim, give me buoyancy. When I must push away the high grasses to pass, make my arms strong. When the mud is deep, give me boots that fit and strong legs to lift to the other side. And I will knock, trusting Him to open the door for my entrance. I want more of Him. I want to draw nearer still. And amazingly, that is what He wants for me as well.
The difference in my grandchildren’s bear hunt and my God hunt is…when He opens the door – I will be running directly into the arms of my Father, for I will be Home. I will never have this day again. Draw me, step by baby step, through this world, directly to You.
When I was reading the devotional I was singing the words. My kids love that song!
The people of God forgot God’s character. They didn’t value Him as they had before, and so they didn’t listen to Him. God spoke through Jeremiah to call them back and remember the God who loved them and longed to rescue them.
Jeremiah 1-3 is a terrible and honest indictment of Israel. God does not soften His complaint and Israel has no defense. I see parallels to the US today and I weep. Like Jeremiah I want to cry out “Evil generation, pay attention to the word of the Lord!” These verses call me to pray for personal and national revival. Our small prayer group at our church has been impressed to pray for the same. Revival begins with both personal repentance and repentance within the family of God. There is judgment promised – God will not be mocked. Yet there is Hope. I turn off the news feed and turn to God. I earnestly pray and await the spring rains. Forgive us, oh Lord. Revive us, oh Lord.
Churcchmouse, I’m always interested to read your responses. You help bring clarification and life application. Thank you !
I agree completely!
Me too! Since I often read these before work, I breeze through the comments to see churchmouse ~ but here lately I’ve been lingering more in the comments and actually participating ~ which is new for me:)
I was just thinking this- I had a history teacher in high school who always said “history does not repeat itself; people repeat history”. Crazy how today we are still a nation of whoredom and worthlessness!! Praying for our world and it’s leaders!!
I feel this, too. Jeremiah could have been speaking these words to us; it is fitting. My heart is heavy with my own sin and the sin of my country at large. We delude ourselves to think judgement will never come.
Day 3
Anna, it is Day 3 of the whole study, but day one and two were introductions to Lent. Day 3 is the first day of Jeremiah.
Reading these 3 chapters is heartbreaking. God sees right through Judah into their false motives of temporarily “turning to Him” during Josiah’s rule. God did so much good to them, He was so evident and loving, that’s why it is so heartbreaking to read how they treated Him in return. And it’s even more heartbreaking to see that I myself reflect Judah’s behavior so much.
And than, what a encouragement to go to 1 Peter 1:21 and Isaiah 6 and see that only God Himself can clean us, and give us faith, and bring recovery into our minds and lives.
Sometimes when I read stories about Israel or Judah I think how stupid and weak they are. But then if I am being honest, all humans and me also are this way. We are weak, idolatrous, but because of Christ we are now new, we have new hearts and minds and the law is written on them by God’s very own hand.
I’d Feb 26 day one or day three? I’m confused.
It’s day 3.
Days 1 and 2 were two prep days leading up to Day 3 of the study, which is the first day of Lent. :)
So good to read that this morning, when I’m feeling more burnout than ever. I’m a teacher and a mom going through the toddler season, and that’s much harder than you may think. I’m constantly having to remind myself of my assignment in life, and this truly refreshed me this morning. Praying for everyone today as we begin this Lenten season together! ❤️
We are in very similar seasons right now! I’m also a teacher with a toddler ☺️ your little one and students are so blessed to have you. God put you here because He knew you could do this! Prayers to you!
I’m a preschool teacher raising adolescents (7,9,11,13). It’s a whole different stage of parenting. I love the early stages of life so I’m learning to embrace this new stage with them. I know God has given me these kiddos and he will equip me. My prayer is as I draw closer to him I can reflect him more and more to my husband, children, and everyone!!
Hang in there, ladies. You will get through this season. You, your children, & your students will be blessed. I am a teacher with a teenager & a young adult child. I remember the days you are experiencing. My mom- also a teacher- gave me this advice: stay the course because when the children are school age, you will be completely in their life, unlike any other profession. She was right. And, oh, that is such a dear time. This third quarter of school is hard. It’s dark and cold and exhausting. But, the Lord will give you strength and patience to endure it.
I believe that God has taken me down a different path. But I love reading bible literature for the depth of the meaning of what God is wanting me to understand. I see a little bit of me in many of the prophets(as I am sure we all do)so it raises my hope because even through their mistakes, God is still faithful to complete the good work He started in them/me. Thank You Lord, my heart is truly grateful. And thank You for leading me to the last place I would look to find a word from You. Hallelujah
Oh my Tina – for He never sends where He will not be. Simply wonderful! Much love my sisters!
I am in a season where I am fighting God’s calling because I am comfortable and my children are comfortable. Please, God, give me strength and confidence in Your Ways. Help me to not complain, not to fear, and to be a model for my children to watch during this transition. Praise Him!
So glad I found this. I have the His Love Endures study guide but it’s literally just the verses with no content like you have here. I do have a hard time understanding a lot of what the bible says and it would have been helpful to have this content actually in the book verses having to come here to find it. But I am grateful to have this explanation. This helps me understand a little more.
I feel the same way. You spend more money for the book but you don’t get as much content.
The first 3 chapter of Jeremiah…. Goodness me!
God is mad! He is angry. He cross..
And why shouldn’t He be?
And when He says ..’I, the Lord have spoken… I can only say, I am glad I am this side of the old testament!
For all He has done, where is the gratitude, let alone the respect and honour due Him!
And yet…
But God..
He is prepared yet again, and clearly had planned this before hand, that He would choose Jeremiah, having marked him for this calling, this tough, tough calling to ‘negotiate’ with the Israelites, who were so far removed from God, to return to the One who has absolutely their best interest at heart..
That’s a tough calling!
But, I guess, here’s the thing, the fact that Jeremiah had been chosen, even before he was born, to this calling, God had a plan, and that plan included equipping him with all he needed to get the job done, walking alongside when the going got tough, protecting him, and rescuing him where he needed rescuing..
What I am trying to say, when God calls you to something, you can surely rest assured, even in the times that seem daunting and hard.. for He never sends where He will not be..
Amen..
Happy Wednesday my dears.. sending love wrapped hugs.. ❤
That’s what I was thinking while reading! Thank God for Jesus!
This reading came at a perfect time for me. I know that God has called me to work with the poor, but over the past 2 years I’ve grown weary and burnt out. I took time off from my calling, but I’m proud and excited to say I’m back to pursuing His Will for me as I start my new job in a Foundation next week. I’m a bit nervous but as the reading says, I’m assured knowing that He is with me and that gives me the strength I need ❣️
Dear sisters, please pray for me as I embark on this new chapter in my life.
What a prayer to pray.
“God chooses all of our callings.” I’m an LPN – been one for over 40 years – and I enjoy what I do and would not change my profession. My father for many years would try to convince me to become an RN by bridging over, his argument was I could get better jobs and make more money. But I would always tell him, “Dad, I won’t be happy working as an RN. I feel my calling is as an LPN doing the hands on work.” It took ten years and my finally telling him I’m not going to change so please don’t bring it up again. I also told him I felt it was what God wanted me to do and that is when he finally stopped bringing it up. I truly believe “God chooses all of our callings.” Sometimes they maybe hard to deal with but He is there to help us through and will never give us more than we can handle.