This article is part of the Quick Devotional Series by Pastor Mark
Scripture Jeremiah 20:9
If I say, “I will not mention Him, or speak any more in His name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire
shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.
Devotion:
Jeremiah is a unique prophet to study. His wordplay on being called by God and on a mission from God is wonderful. Although, he may want to do other things like blend in, go unnoticed, or try to live a “normal” life. However, he expressed God’s calling was so powerful that it was in his bones to go and do.
Allow me to move to my point: More important than simple intent, are we so motivated to share God that we feel the importance or desire to serve God? Is the desire like a fire that was trapped in our bones? We sometimes state that we want to tell others about God and all the wonderful things He has done for us. But truthfully, we would rather do almost anything else.
Even for preachers/teachers/pastors, we stand with boldness and proclaim the good news, but what about the person on the street or the neighbor we meet at the grocery store? What does it take for everything inside you to yearn to do what God has called you to?
On the other side of this proverbial coin, “I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.” These are words of trouble for some. You understand the calling to speak and share the good news and, through fear or other issues, are trying to hold it in under your own power; I offer you the words “quit” and “let go.”
Application:
So allow me to challenge you to reflect. Has God blessed you? Do you have a testimony to share with others? When are you going to share?
My prayer: May God continue to open our eyes to the opportunities He has set before us. May the desire (burning to tell) never go away. I pray that our desire to share God would be a furnace building so that we would share the good news for His glory. And may the fire burning within us be a continual reminder of what He has called us to do.
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Mark Rogers
Pastor Mark is the primary author and content creator of pastormarkrogers.com. Additionally, he serves as Pastor of Lighthouse Sylva. You can find out more by clicking the About Page.
