“If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, in which you trusted, they wearied you, then how will you do in the floodplain of the Jordan? 6 For even your brothers, the house of your father, even they have dealt treacherously with you; yes, they have called a multitude after you. Do not believe them, even though they speak smooth words to you. 7 “I have forsaken My house, I have left My heritage; I have given the dearly beloved of My soul into the hand of her enemies. 8 My heritage is to Me like a lion in the forest; it cries out against Me; therefore I have hated it. My heritage is to Me like a speckled vulture; the vultures all around are against her. Come, assemble all the beasts of the field, Bring them to devour!”” Jeremiah 12:5-9 NKJV
Father and King,
You never said to any of Your people that it would be easy keeping Your law – just that it would be good and for their best future. You never said our life in Christ would be easy. You told us that we would have to be soldiers and fight sin and evil with all our armour on (Ephesians 6:10-18). That sin would seek to beset us in the race marked out for us (Hebrews 112:1). And here is Jeremiah asking You God why can’t You sort Your people out and make his life easier. (Jeremiah 12:1-4). I totally understand his request.
What an answer! If you think it has been tough it will get tougher. And I have forsaken them. So there is no promise of a happy ending of repentance, restoration and a return to an easier life. No. Things will get much worse. But only so far as to let his chosen people get to a place where they have another opportunity to turn back to Him. It does seen that getting worse does open some eyes. And perhaps when we are moaning to the Lord we should not be surprised if He says it may get worse. We cannot see the end of the bigger problems in our world. Sometimes our difficulties seem to drown out the worlds. But beyond it all, like Jeremiah I find the only place to be is with You. Trying to see things Your way, trusting You when I do not. Calling for help when things seem to be worse and looking for Your peace and comfort. And praising You when I see light dawning and in seasons of rejoicing.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Friday 10th July 2026
He who would valiant be ’gainst all disaster,
let him in constancy follow the Master.
There’s no discouragement shall make him once relent
his first avowed intent to be a pilgrim.
Who so beset him round with dismal stories
do but themselves confound – his strength the more is.
No foes shall stay his might; though he with giants fight,
he will make good his right to be a pilgrim.
Since, Lord, thou dost defend us with thy Spirit,
we know we at the end, shall life inherit.
Then fancies flee away! I’ll fear not what men say,
I’ll labour night and day to be a pilgrim.
Lyrics: John Bunyan