First Reading:  Jeremiah 20:10-13

Through Evil Times

What "dark times" have you lived through? How did you live through these times?

Jeremiah felt misunderstood. As a holy man who prophesied just before the Babylonian exile, Jeremiah faced the wrath of the king's court. For he could see the coming calamity and the blindness of the king's advisors

Judah was nothing more than a city-state centered around Jerusalem, a mere speck in the eye of the regional powers at the time. Egypt to the south. Babylon to the north and east. Playing one against the other was an invitation to disaster. In the end, Judah played that game and was destroyed.

How did Jeremiah live life in the face of a hostile leadership? He toyed with despair, as he mimicked the machinations of his enemies. [20:10] But, in the end, he remembered the One who caused him to prophesy. And the One who would save him. Jeremiah's enemies would see their shame and fall! [20:11-13]

Jeremiah saw the bigger picture. The success of those who lie and steal, spread rumor and slander will not last. In the end, their secret plans will be known. And their character will be revealed. The good will see the light of day. God will do this!

Have you ever been the target of gossip, rumor, or character assassination? How has God helped you these times?