God Will Do What He Says

In our Sunday Adult Study, we have been going through the book of Jeremiah. God’s people have turned away from Him and have become disobedient. Jeremiah has been sent to tell the people that they must repent. It seems each chapter, the prophetic word of God becomes more and more destructive in the outcome of the people. Jeremiah is a constant irritation for the King and his followers. God predicted that the armies of the north were going to come down and destroy the people, but the false prophets mocked God’s word through Jeremiah. Egypt had come to their rescue, and as the enemy scattered back to the north, Egypt headed back home. The people were basking in the knowledge that the enemy had been pushed back, and I imagine they assumed that Jeremiah was wrong or that they had changed the outcome. Jeremiah’s words in chapter 37 was that even if the northern army was defeated, those that had been injured would attack and overthrow Israel. Talk about a slap in the face. Jeremiah is telling them that God’s word will always do what He promises. Before they become confident in the retreat of the northern army, they must remember God’s word. If Israel believed they had defeated the enemy, God is saying that even the injured men of the northern army would be enough to defeat them. God doesn’t need a mighty army. His word is sufficient. How well do we do trusting God’s word? When the Apostle Paul was facing a “thorn in the flesh”, God told him, "’My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.” Do we rejoice in our weakness so that Christ’s power would rest on us? Do we believe the God’s grace is sufficient? I think far too many people don’t even consider all that God has done and His promise to be with us and lead... even in the hard times! What God has done is more than enough. His promises offer far more than we deserve, yet we can count on every promise He has given. How often are we like the people of Israel in Jeremiah’s day? Are we obedient or are we seeking our own way. Is God’s word enough or do we want our way? God, You are sufficient. Your promises are sufficient. Your grace is sufficient. Your mercy is more than we deserve. Thank You. Amen