Obedience IS Success

 Scripture:

“So the officials took Jeremiah from his cell and lowered him by ropes into an empty cistern in the prison yard. It belonged to Malkijah, a member of the royal family. There was no water in the cistern, but there was a thick layer of mud at the bottom, and Jeremiah sank down into it.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭38‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬]

Observation:

Jeremiah had simply been obedient to the Lord and spoke what he was suppose to speak to God’s people. He was so hated by everyone that he ended up being thrown into an empty cistern that was full of mud to die. When they lowered him, he sank into the mud. This is not the picture of abundance and prosperity. He eventually was brought out, but he had to go through some really difficult things.

Application:

Sometimes the will of God will take you places that don’t seem very successful. Today, we equate success with ease and blessing. Jeremiah equated success with doing the will of God and speaking what He said. We must learn that outward blessing is not the only sign of obedience to God. Sometimes persecution and difficulty are the results of doing what God says to do. We must be ready for both.

Prayer:

Father, help me to listen to Your voice and to do what You say, without regard to where I might end up. Help me to view success as obedience to the call and not as people liking me or speaking good things of me. Teach me to walk with You and complete Your mission and will for my life, regardless of how that ends up.

Yours Forever,

Jeff