Jeremiah 25:3-4
…this is the twenty-third year in which the word of the LORD has come to me; and I have spoken to you, rising early and speaking, but you have not listened.

I continually find that the older I get the more impatient I get. Whether it is at a stop light, waiting in a line at the grocery store…or any number of things, I find that waiting even a few extra minutes can get me stirred up. We read in Jeremiah that for twenty three years…that's right…twenty three years, Jeremiah would rise early and speak urging the people to repent and turn to the Lord and yet they did not listen. How often have we gotten frustrated with our children because we have had to tell them over and over to do something and they did not listen. In most cases, those seasons with our kids last only a few years. The bottom line is this…whether or not people listen doesn't change in anyway the things that we are supposed to speak. The Lord told the prophet Ezekiel, "…speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious.", Ezekiel 2:7. We mustn't get discouraged when people don't want to hear what we have to say about the Lord. For one thing, our encouragement must come from being obedient to do that which the Lord has called us to do…share the Gospel. Secondly, we must be encouraged that the Lord honors the sowing of His word. According to Isaiah 55:11, every word we speak in accordance with His perfect will…will always accomplish that for which it was sent. We mustn't quit speaking! So, if you find yourself thinking, "Oh no, I have got to tell my friends, family, neighbors or co-workers about the Lord once again!", just remember Jeremiah…who at this point in his ministry had been faithful to 'rise early and speak' for twenty three years. Hey…if Jeremiah could do it…so can we!

Father, we need your strength to persevere when we face times of discouragement. Times when we just don't want to share anymore because we are convinced that the things we share about you are falling on deaf ears. Teach us to be faithful to proclaim truth whether people listen or not…trusting that your word is doing what you have sent it to do. In Jesus' name we pray…Amen!

I pray that you have a great week…eager to rise and eager to share. Don't be discouraged in your sharing…whether you see the results of your sowing or not, be greatly encouraged that the Lord is well pleased with your efforts. And, in a unique way, your sharing is building your patience in other areas of your life at the same time.