Dear Friends,
As he worked, he prayed for
the people to whom he was writing. The Prophet Jeremiah’s prayers fill his
writings. They permeate his work, and he included them in his manuscript. If
you want to learn how to pray for hard-hearted people, study the prayers of
Jeremiah. If you want to learn how to pray for yourself, look into the prayer
life of this man. Jeremiah prayed stubbornly, consistently, and with
perseverance that the people of God would yet repent so that God would relent
in sending disaster.
God’s intent is always to
offer people every possible chance to come back to Him. Jeremiah and Baruch
knew that. They believed that “his compassions never fail. They are new every
morning” (Lam. 3:22-23). “Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about every
disaster I plan to inflict on them, each of them will turn from his wicked way;
then I will forgive their wickedness and their sin.” Because Jeremiah believed
it was never over till it was over, he labored on.
Have you given up on
someone? Have you quit praying for her? Has she given you little hope of her
turning back to the Lord? Listen, it’s never over till it’s over. Call her on
the phone one more time. Invite her to church. Send her that book or tape. Do
battle on your knees for her. Weep before the throne. That person may yet
repent, even if Nebuchadnezzar is knocking at the door. Jesus said that we “should
always pray and not give up” (Lk. 18:1). We must not give up. Jesus said so.
Who do you need to keep
praying for? Make a renewed commitment to not give up!
Blessings,
Jill Briscoe
Executive Editor
Just Between Us Magazine
Great reminder! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteBarb Winters