The Prayer Of A Persecuted Shepherd

LORD, I have not abandoned my job

as a shepherd for your people.

I have not urged you to send disaster.

You have heard everything I’ve said.

LORD, don’t terrorize me!

You alone are my hope in the day of disaster.

Bring shame and dismay on all who persecute me,

but don’t let me experience shame and dismay.

Bring a day of terror on them.

Yes, bring double destruction upon them!

Jeremiah 17:16-18

Jeremiah knew that he had been faithful to God’s call to warn the people to repent—a message God’s people didn’t want to hear. They persecuted Jeremiah. The prophet could have defended himself, but he chose not to. He simply obeyed and waited for God to take whatever action he chose. This is the sort of behavior that Paul was talking about when he said, “Never pay back evil with more evil. . . . Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, ‘I will take revenge; I will pay them back,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:17-19).

When you face opposition regarding something that God has called you to do, don’t take matters into your own hands. Simply continue to be faithful and trust God to handle things as he sees fit.

• Dear Lord, help me to honor and trust you at all times . . .