Read: Jeremiah 20:7-18
Why did I come out from the womb to see toil and sorrow . . . ? (v. 18)
At the start of the 2020 pandemic, many workers in hospitals did not have the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep themselves safe from exposure to the COVID-19. As their hospitals began to swell with infected patients, the workers fashioned face coverings out of whatever they could find in order to protect themselves from the virus. They worked tirelessly trying to save lives, but were often witnesses to countless deaths instead. Despite fighting exhaustion and putting their own lives at risk, these workers continued to show up for work day after day.
Every time Jeremiah went to work, he was delivering a gloom-and-doom message from God. In Jeremiah 20, we see that he was getting tired of it. So were the people around him (18:18-20; 20:1-3). Outrage is an occupational hazard that weighed heavily on Jeremiah both physically and emotionally. He tried to resign from his role, but he felt God’s word too deeply. Jeremiah remained faithful and followed God’s direction for his life, even as he wished he wasn’t created for this particular purpose.
Being faithful to a difficult calling can be draining, leaving us feeling empty and ready to quit. Instead of walking away, why don’t we access God’s supernatural power that will give us strength to remain faithful and live out the calling he has for us. —Ericka Loynes
As you pray, commit to fulfilling the call God has on your life.
About the Author
Ericka Loynes is a senior instructional designer and facilitator. She enjoys encouraging others through career coaching, motivational speaking, and inspirational writing. Born and raised in Chicago, Ericka currently lives in Memphis with her husband, Duane, and teenage son, DJ.
