DIVINELY COMPELLED 

DIVINELY COMPELLED

”But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!“ Jeremiah 20:9 NLTJeremiah 20:9 NLTBut if I say I’ll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!

Every Christian who is intentional about their salvation will testify to practically being unable to make decisions, give advice, lead in any capacity without crediting their actions and patterns to God.

In our theme scripture, the prophet Jeremiah was contending with a similar sentiment. Every prophetic utterance given him only seemed to cause trouble, sorrow or shame. Today, it is not any different for believers.

We are living in a time where in some cultures sharing your faith in Christ Jesus can even be labelled like imposing your beliefs on others or being a danger to society because you don’t adhere to every novelty that the world embraces. As a result, the prophecy of Christ being the stumbling block that will offend many (Isaiah 8:14Isaiah 8:14He will keep you safe. But to Israel and Judah he will be a stone that makes people stumble, a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a snare.) is fulfilled and the Christian is mocked, shamed or even bullied into silence. As Paul said however, we do not draw back to perdition (Hebrews 10:39Hebrews 10:39But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.), neither do we deny Christ to appease the spirits at work in men.

Instead we speak boldly of the hope we have, we give honor where due, we shun evil when in its face, we are led of the spirit and we completely trust and rely on God to equip and protect us if we stand by our convictions.

Child of God, remember that the words of Christ stand true, those who deny him in public, so shall he deny them before the Father (Matthew 10:33Matthew 10:33But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.). This is not your story, instead I will leave you with these words: But when they deliver you up, do not become anxious about how or what you will speak; for it shall be given you in that hour what you are to speak. (Matthew 10:19Matthew 10:19When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time.). 

Prayer: Loving Father, I bless your name for the unwavering love with which you love me. It is because of this love, that I too know how to love. It is because of this love that my heart yearns for souls and cries out to you that many may come to the saving knowledge of truth; and if there be anything for me to co-labor for this cause, here I am Lord. I pray this in Jesus mighty name! Amen. 

CI.