I want you to know sharing the Gospel with people at times can cause problems. When they heard the truth, they were offended by it because it contradicted how they are living. Immediately they lash out  because you made them look at themselves and they did not like what they saw. The reality is many people  know what they are doing is wrong, but they have learned how to overlook it. When you come along and present the Gospel,  they can’t overlook the wrong. It’s now staring at them causing discomfort. Rather than deal with the problem before them, they choose to attack you for bringing it up. The Lord wanted them to stop ignoring the wrong because it was not going anywhere without being dealt with. When people respond to you negatively, it begins to wear on you. However, you can’t stop doing it because it’s your calling. There is somebody in the Bible who knows all too well about this. 

In Jeremiah 20:7-11, you are able to see someone who has a calling on his life to share the truth. It appears the more he shares the truth, it causes the people to attack him. The prophet Jeremiah was instructed by the Lord, to let the people know the Babylonians were going to defeat them, and many would be taken to Babylon in captivity. What made it bad for Jeremiah, the priest Pashhur, who was the chief officer prophesied the total opposite of what Jeremiah stated. Pashhur said this before Jeremiah had spoken and he was well respected by the people. Now Jeremiah speaks and it contradicts what the people heard, so Pashhur has Jeremiah locked up overnight. I know this is not what Jeremiah thought would happen for telling the truth, but the Lord will not allow His people to be misguided. Now the people have to make a decision on what to believe, because they have heard a lie and the truth. 

In verses 7 to 9, Jeremiah shares how the Lord transformed his life. Also, he sees how his message from the Lord is not one that excites people. Because, their sins are presented before them, and there are consequences for ignoring them. Jeremiah shares his struggles, and when he tries to keep silent it doesn’t work. He identifies within himself, when he attempts to hold it in it feels like a burning fire raging within. Then he reaches the point where he can’t hold it in, so he releases the truth. Knowing people will not like what he has to say. However, in verses 10-11, he recognizes the terror all around him. But, the Lord is with him, so those against him will not prevail. There is no doubt Jeremiah was on fire for the Lord. Because, he had to release what was given. Why, because it was hot in here.

Are you on fire for the Lord? Let’s do a quick assessment. The more you attempt to keep quiet, you find yourself speaking the truth of the Gospel. Why, because the love of the Lord is in you, so you have to share God’s love with people. You want them to understand they no longer have to beat themselves up for what they have done wrong. They need to Acknowledge the sin in their lives and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. If this is what you are doing, you are on fire for the Lord. This fire started raising your temperature, causing you to say, it’s hot in here. Continue to walk in your blessings!