Kerry And Chris Shook: Be The Message DevotionalSample

“BE ENCOURAGEMENT” When he received this message from the Lord, the prophet Jeremiah was under arrest for warning God’s people of impending judgment. The authorities didn’t like his negativity. He was seen as a traitor, a domestic terrorist. Jeremiah was in a tough spot—hated by his own people for telling the truth. He often complained to God about this, but God kept him on the job. The promise in today’s verse serves double duty. It’s reassurance for the frustrated prophet. You might not understand what’s going on right now, but keep in touch with Me and you’ ll learn more and more. Throughout Scripture, God implores us to communicate with Him, even if it’s just a cry for help. When we open this interaction with our Creator, He blows our minds with “unsearchable” knowledge. The Hebrew word for “unsearchable” is sometimes used for walled cities—inaccessible to passersby but open to the one who is welcomed in. God wants to welcome us into His mysteries. It’s a perspective in which the Spirit applies God’s wisdom to the events of our lives. How often have you found yourself in “impossible” situations—trying to do the right thing but hampered on all sides? People misunderstand your good intentions. You might even doubt yourself. What does God want from you? Why did He put you in this no-win situation? Couldn’t He find anybody, you know, qualified? Welcome to Jeremiah’s world. No, you don’t have the answers, but God does. We all like to push through the challenges and emerge victorious on our own steam, but that’s not the key to success here. We need to call on the Lord for help. We need to turn things over to Him and then let His wisdom change us and transform our situation. How do you see this change happening in your life? Do you find it hard to call on God for help? What will that prayer sound like? Our world is full of Jeremiah's laboring for God in tough circumstances and prone to discouragement. Take a few moments to think about and pray about the people you know in church ministry—whether pastors or lay workers. Then think and pray about any missionaries you know, in foreign countries or closer to home. Is God bringing any of these people into your heart right now, anyone who might need a special word of encouragement from you?