Run with Horses. Win with God.

My prayers usually go something like this. “Lord, I am so tired. I can’t do this anymore. Give me rest, or strength, or something to help me through  – maybe I’m not meant to [insert too tiring thing here.]”

Jeremiah, the Old Testament prophet, questioned God’s assignment from the start. And when things got tough, he questioned God again. God always had an answer. We can learn a few truths from their back-and-forth conversations.

You might be fulfilling God’s purpose without finding earthly success.

“The word of the Lord came to me saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:4-5

Read it again as if God is speaking to you. He knew you before you were born, and he set you apart for a purpose. Do you find it hard to believe God made you for a purpose? You are not alone! Even Jeremiah struggled with the challenge.

“’Alas, Sovereign Lord,’ I said, ‘I do not know how to speak, I am too young.’” Jeremiah 1:6

Yet after a heart-to-heart conversation with the Lord, Jeremiah trusted and obeyed. (Jeremiah 1:7-19)

I’ve been there. Perhaps you have too. God has put something on your heart and though you are afraid, you get ready for the next big thing and you trust Him. You go for it. You obey.

Then…

Then when things don’t turn out like you think they should, you question God. Twelve chapters later, Jeremiah was worn out, burned out, and put out by the outcome of all his hard work and obedience.

You are always righteous, Lord, when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?” Jeremiah 12:1

Jeremiah goes on in verses two through four to further explain, and even offer a couple tips on how to handle the all the wrong that is taking place. But Jeremiah acknowledges that God is always righteous and humbly goes to God with his why. Why does the wicked prosper? Why do the faithless live at ease?

In other words, why is it so hard for me but easy for those that turn their backs on God?

God answers.

God has a plan and your problems are preparing you for a greater race.

“If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan” Jeremiah 12:5

Jeremiah and the wicked that keep winning – they are running two different races. God’s answer is probably not the answer Jeremiah wanted to hear, but it is the answer that he needed to hear. Our race is not for prosperity or easy living, it is for the Kingdom of God. And its not an easy one.

The thought that this race we are running may only get harder can be discouraging. But remember, He knew us before we were formed in the womb. He set you apart for the challenge that is before you.

God spoke to Jeremiah early on in his calling, “They will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you, and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 2:19  God knew what was ahead for Jeremiah and he knows what is ahead for you and for me.

Discouraged but not defeated, Jeremiah stays in the race, faithful and obedient.

People are not our measure of success.

We live in a society that is obsessed with our following. We connect, then count our connections as if more is mightier. Jeremiah was ignored, persecuted and put off by the very people God put in his path. But because of his obedience and his faithfulness, God considered him a great success.

If we measure our success against man, we will quickly become discouraged. Follow Jeremiah’s example. Seek God and be satisfied with His sovereignty.

“Then the word of the Lord cam to Jeremiah, ‘I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything to hard for me?’” Jeremiah 32:26

Trust Him. Obey Him. Prosper in Him.

Run His race.