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Has your local video store added an X-rated film section? Did you catch someone stealing on the job? Have you seen someone taking advantage of a poor or homeless person? Did a friend admit to you he cheated on his taxes?

None of these situations—or other situations you may have faced—is easy to handle. You wonder, What can I do to make a difference in the world? And if you know the person involved, you may ask yourself, And how will my honesty with this person affect our relationship?

Jeremiah, too, was in a tough position. The Lord was asking him to reveal to the Jewish people their sin. Understandably, Jeremiah was hesitant. He came up with a good excuse: "Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth" (1:6). But what was the Lord's response? He first asked Jeremiah to obey, and then gave him a promise.

When God calls you to speak for him today, he asks you to obey, no matter how difficult (or unpleasant) you think the task is (1:7). But he doesn't leave you high and dry, with no help. He follows up his command with these comforting, encouraging words: "Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you" (1:8)! (See also Exodus 20:1-17; Judges 5:1-11; Micah 6:6-8; Romans 8:1-17.)

Good Words to Remember:
"You shall go to all to whom I sent you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you," says the LORD. Jeremiah 1:7, 8

Today's Challenge:
Is God calling you to speak up on an issue? If so, what?

Bible Studies to Help You Go Deeper