None of us are crazy about receiving difficult assignments. You probably remember the dread you felt when your teacher gave you that new assignment that you knew would be challenging. If you are a parent, you are quite familiar with the dread that comes when your child brings home a challenging project that you know you will have to help with. It is true; difficult assignments are not fun. Sometimes, however, they are necessary. The truth is, we will all face difficult assignments, and sometimes those assignments are given to us by God. The question is, how will we respond? Today we will study the life of Jeremiah and be encouraged to respond to hard assignments with obedience, hope, and faith in God.
What was the most challenging project or assignment you had to do in school? If you are a parent, it could even be one of your child’s assignments you helped them with.
1. What positive outcomes come from completing a hard assignment? How does it make you feel?
2. Read Jeremiah 1:4-9. What was Jeremiah’s assignment? Why do you think he might have found this assignment difficult?
Jeremiah 1:4-9The Lord gave me this message: “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” “O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth!"
Jeremiah 1:4-9The Lord gave me this message:
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”
“O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”
The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said,
“Look, I have put my words in your mouth!"
3. Why did Jeremiah feel unqualified for this assignment from God?
4. Has God ever given you an assignment that you found difficult? Describe that time.
5. Read Jeremiah 20:8-13, which takes place after Jeremiah faced persecution for spreading God’s messages. What stands out to you about this prayer from Jeremiah?
Jeremiah 20:8-13 When I speak, the words burst out. “Violence and destruction!” I shout.So these messages from the Lord have made me a household joke.But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name,his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones!I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!I have heard the many rumors about me. They call me “The Man Who Lives in Terror.”They threaten, “If you say anything, we will report it.” Even my old friends are watching me, waiting for a fatal slip.“He will trap himself,” they say, “and then we will get our revenge on him.” But the Lord stands beside me like a great warrior. Before him my persecutors will stumble. They cannot defeat me.They will fail and be thoroughly humiliated. Their dishonor will never be forgotten.O Lord of Heaven’s Armies,you test those who are righteous, and you examine the deepest thoughts and secrets.Let me see your vengeance against them, for I have committed my cause to you.Sing to the Lord! Praise the Lord!For though I was poor and needy, he rescued me from my oppressors.
Jeremiah 20:8-13
When I speak, the words burst out. “Violence and destruction!” I shout.So these messages from the Lord have made me a household joke.But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name,his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones!I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!I have heard the many rumors about me. They call me “The Man Who Lives in Terror.”They threaten, “If you say anything, we will report it.” Even my old friends are watching me, waiting for a fatal slip.“He will trap himself,” they say, “and then we will get our revenge on him.”
But the Lord stands beside me like a great warrior. Before him my persecutors will stumble. They cannot defeat me.They will fail and be thoroughly humiliated. Their dishonor will never be forgotten.O Lord of Heaven’s Armies,you test those who are righteous, and you examine the deepest thoughts and secrets.Let me see your vengeance against them, for I have committed my cause to you.Sing to the Lord! Praise the Lord!For though I was poor and needy, he rescued me from my oppressors.
6. In these verses from Jeremiah 20:8-13, what evidence of hope can be found?
7. How has God given you hope throughout the trials you have faced? How does this give you hope in the trial you are currently facing or will face in the future?
What assignment is God calling you to in your own life right now? Maybe God is calling you to practice generosity even though finances feel tight for you and your family. Maybe God is calling you to stand up for your faith when you know it will be unpopular. Maybe God is calling you to reach out to a neighbor who thinks differently than you. Whatever the assignment, share it with your group. After sharing with each other, spend a few minutes encouraging and praying for each other to have the courage and bravery to do that thing.
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John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
John 10:27
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
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