How to Have Character Like Jeremiah

Can you identify with Jeremiah?  Jeremiah's life was hard.   He was called by God.  He was close to God.  But God didn't make his life easier.  Instead, it seemed that the more courageously he obeyed, the more hardship came his way.  

But he didn't shrink back.  

I want to be one who doesn't shrink back.  I want character like Jeremiah.  I'm guessing that you do to.

So,  I want to come alongside you in the midst of your pain.  I want to listen, and pray, and pull out the Kleenex.  And then I want to ask you some hard questions.  Questions that will help you develop character like Jeremiah.  

• Will you go to God, rather than to this world, to find your identity?  

Like Jeremiah, you were knit together, known by God, and created in the image of God for Kingdom purposes. Genesis 1:27;  Jeremiah 1:5;  Ephesians 2:10 

• Will you take your questions to God first, rather than to the internet, or your spouse, or your friends? 

 First of all, he is the one with all the answers.  Secondly, he opened the way for you to come to him. He welcomes you into his arms, just like he welcomed the little children. He is not offended by your questions, by your emotions, even by your anger.  You don't have to pretend with Jesus.     Jeremiah 1:6-7; Hebrews 10:19-22;  Mark 10:13-16; 

• Will you find courage in God's presence with you in the midst of your struggle, rather than get angry with him because he doesn't relieve you of your struggle?

Just as he stood with Joshua, he stands with us.  On the edge of the Jordan River, God urged Joshua to great courage as he faced the great conquest.  But God didn't tell Joshua to simply work up courage on his own strength, but to rely upon the promise of his presence.  Joshua 1; Jeremiah 1:8. 

• Will you trust in God's word as you make life decisions?

Reading the Bible regularly and intentionally enables you have HIS word light your path. If you need a plan for reading your Bible, I have two plans for you here and here.  The goal is to learn to hear God in his word and the only way to do that is to prayerfully read it regularly.  Jeremiah 1:10-11; Psalm 119:105.  

Jeremiah didn't shrink back from his call.  He didn't draw back from his relationship with God.  Rather,  he pressed into God and found him faithful to accompany him throughout.  I want character like Jeremiah.  Do you?

Let me know how these questions help you.  Perhaps there's someone in your life who needs you to listen, pray, pull out the Kleenex, and ask these hard questions.  Leave me a comment, if you'd like, or email me at cynthiafin@gmail.com.  I look forward to hearing from you!