How Long?

The book of Jeremiah is a great reminder that I'm glad my name isn't recorded in the scripture, as one who complained to God. If I were in the Bible, I would be embarrassed at some of the things that would be revealed about me. But in this book, it's revealed that Jeremiah is asking God questions and he's not happy. And one of the questions he asks in Jeremiah 12 is how long? You know, he's upset. He's just really anxious. 

And I think a lot of us have been there, or maybe are there. We can all relate to that question of how long—how long is this going to go on? Seems like it's going on forever. And I'm tired of it. 

And so God answers him. He, as he typically does, asks a question in return, just the way he did with Job. And so he says to Jeremiah. Jeremiah, if you've been running with men and you're already weary, how are you going to keep up with horses? And he just reset the whole perspective for Jeremiah. And he pointed out to him that this has a purpose. You know, this waiting, this learning and growing in character in patience is to prepare you for another challenge and a challenge maybe you haven't even imagined. 

There's going to be a day that God wants us to run an even more difficult gauntlet, a difficult challenge, and we can use this time to be prepared for what lies ahead. God's people need to be those who can meet these challenges head-on. 

Be patient. Wait on the Lord. Trust in him and then be ready for running with horses, whenever that challenge hits us.

As the Founder and Executive Director of the Christian Economic Forum, Chuck Bentley focuses on advancing God’s economic principles through this annual gathering of select marketplace leaders dedicated to improving the world through the advancement of ideas that work.

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