Desperate times call for dramatic actions. Jeremiah would never be allowed the luxury of living a typical teenager’s life. That was because he did not live in ordinary times.
Had Jeremiah lived in a different time, he might have had the pleasure of pronouncing God’s blessing upon the people. But this was not one of those times. The nation had drifted far from God. It was in no condition to receive words of commendation. Rather, dark storm clouds of judgment were brewing. God’s words were harsh and difficult to deliver. Jeremiah knew that the most powerful people in the land would hate what he had to say. He must have known that the ministry to which God had called him would make him the most unpopular person in the land. His divine calling would invite scorn. It was a difficult calling indeed.
That is why God told His youthful spokesperson to prepare himself. God exhorted Jeremiah not to be dismayed. God knew that discouragement would be plentiful. Yet that was the task to which God was calling His new prophet.
Don’t be deceived into assuming that God would never ask you to do something that is difficult or painful. We need look no further than Jeremiah to see that God may call us to extremely challenging assignments. God’s call may push us to the limit of our endurance. That is why we also ought to prepare ourselves. And, it is why we must determine that we will not allow people to intimidate or discourage us. Our calling hinges on God, not people’s response.