Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“But you, gird up your loins; stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not break down before them, or I will break you before them.”
NL Daily Devotion for Wednesday, December 6, 2023
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
I feel a little like God is a boxing coach here. Or some kind of personal, motivational coach. He’s given Jeremiah a message that the people will absolutely not like. And the people have a history of killing prophets who tell them what they don’t want to hear. But God is in Jeremiah’s corner, giving him a rubdown, shouting in his ear over the roar of the out-for-blood crowd: Just do it! Stand strong or you’ll deeply regret it. Later in the passage, God says, “They will fight against you; but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, says the Lord, to deliver you.”
God is in your corner, too. We all face challenges. We all sometimes have to step into uncomfortable conversations, to set healthy boundaries or stand up for others. Most of us don’t care much for confrontation, but there are times when it is absolutely necessary in order for positive change to occur. When God calls us to speak up, we can be assured that God is standing right behind us and will equip us with what we need to weather the difficulty.
When have I had to take action that I found uncomfortable? Did I feel supported in any way?
