“For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.” - Jeremiah 31:25 (ESV)
Twenty days ago, I boarded a flight that would take me to Karakalpakstan. I was tired before I left!
My plans, which had included time to rest before leaving, were pre-empted by several unplanned and unexpected interruptions.
I’m sure your plans also encounter interference by unpredictable intrusions. The truth is that life does not always go the way we anticipate. But I’m learning to recognize God sees what I can’t see, knows what I don’t know, and can transform weariness into refreshment.
Jeremiah (the prophet) is all too familiar with weariness. God calls him to proclaim an unpopular message of judgment, defeat, and exile. His sermon is not nearly as enticing as one of prosperity, success, and superiority.
It would have been one thing if Jeremiah only had to do a 4-week series on such a gloomy subject. But he would spend 40 stormy years faithfully delivering an unpopular message to unwilling hearts!
His “God-given” message is not only unbelievable—it’s unacceptable. No one wants to listen.
Jeremiah’s faithful endurance (for 40 years) not only acquaints him with weariness, but also reveals to him God’s ability to refresh a weary soul.
Descending to the city of Nukus, I thought of Jeremiah’s words:
“For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.” - Jeremiah 31:25 (ESV)
This passage of Scripture would become a reality for me and the pastors and leaders in Karakalpakstan.
I would quickly discover how God would refresh the souls of these leaders. Even in my tiredness, God was faithful to provide me strength and energy.
Like Jeremiah, proclaiming the Gospel in a Muslim-dominated and Atheistic Government-controlled environment is not popular. But these leaders remain faithful despite their weariness. Harassed, resisted, and persecuted for their faith in Christ, they remain faithful despite being tired, because God continues to refresh them.
Jeremiah’s words speak to each of us who experience weariness, mourning, and sorrow:
“I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them and give them gladness for sorrow. I will fear the soul of the priests with abundance, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, declares the Lord.” - Jeremiah 31:13b-14 (ESV)
Continue to pray for our pastors and leaders in Karakalpakstan!
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