Exceptional Bible CharactersSample

Jeremiah lived during the time Israel was ending as a nation, as God judged them for their unfaithfulness, idolatry and sin. He was only about seventeen when God sent him as the last prophet to warn the southern kingdom of Judah to turn back to Him. Jeremiah preached for 40 years, and not once did he see the Israelites change or soften their hearts to God; they continued stubbornly in their idolatry. Jeremiah became completely discouraged, and even doubted God (Jeremiah 15:18). Yet God made a promise to Jeremiah - ‘If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me... I am with you to rescue and save you,’ declares the Lord.' (15:19-21). We can take comfort in Jeremiah's trials – even as a prophet, he experienced rejection, depression and discouragement in his relationship with God. Just as God promises to restore a repentant Jeremiah, we know God is waiting to restore us. We can know that God is always faithful; even when we are unfaithful to Him, He remains faithful to us (2 Timothy 2:13).

Question: Have you ever felt completely discouraged in your walk with God, to the point that you doubt God? How does Jeremiah encourage you?