The answer to the question is?….

“If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, in which you trusted, they wearied you, then how will you do in the floodplain of the Jordan?” Jeremiah 12.5

Have you ever asked a question and the answer or reply is not at all what you expected? If so, join the club.

This is exactly what happened to the prophet Jeremiah.

Jeremiah asks God a question and the question is one that would resonate with us today. It’s a question many of us ask. Jeremiah is bothered by all the injustice, hypocrisy and corruption that he sees all around him.

Jeremiah asks God the age old question:

“ Why do the wicked prosper and why are the treacherous happy?

God responds by asking Jeremiah a question instead in the verses above. Not the answer Jeremiah expected I’m sure.

God points out that things are only going to get worse.

Sound familiar with all that is happening in the world today?

If Jeremiah is struggling now with what is going on – when as God says “you’re only running with the footmen currently” – wait until you start running with the horses. How will you cope then?

Jeremiah thinks things are bad already but God brings the reality check. It’s going to get worse. God points out that Jeremiah is living without conflict at the moment. Jeremiah..you are with your own people in a land of peace..wait until it gets worse..when you’re in other territory. How are you going to cope then?

It’s a good question and one that resonates for us as believers today. How will we cope when things get worse and worse. If we think things are bad now. We know from Scripture things will only get worse. Will we be wearied by all the wickedness and injustice to the point of losing faith.

Jesus asked a similar pertinent question “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth” Luke 18:8

These words of Jesus challenge my heart. Can I keep faith in God’s goodness and trust in God’s eternal justice.

Yes I pray is the answer. Jesus encourages us that we can trust in God who is loving and merciful. God’s justice is righteous.

“Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.?”
Luke 18 6-8

The Bible encourages us that one day God will restore all things and will wipe away every tear.

So let us not give up but rather let us start to get ready and prepared to run with some horses.