What steps can we take to faithfully follow God's instructions as Jeremiah did? Jeremiah 43:8—Hearing God in Every Place “Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah at Tahpanhes.” (Jeremiah 43:8) Even in exile, Jeremiah was tuned to God’s voice. From his example we can trace practical steps for faithful obedience. Cultivate a Listening Heart • Set aside daily, unhurried time in Scripture (Psalm 119:105). • Invite the Spirit’s illumination—“Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10). • Expect God to speak anywhere, not only in familiar settings; Jeremiah heard Him in Egypt. Test Every Voice by the Word • “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16), so weigh impressions against the literal text. • If a prompting contradicts Scripture, dismiss it—God does not contradict Himself (Numbers 23:19). • Seek counsel from mature believers who honor the authority of the Bible (Proverbs 11:14). Obey Promptly and Completely • “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). • Partial obedience is disobedience; Jeremiah delivered every word God gave him (Jeremiah 26:2). • Act at once rather than waiting for circumstances to improve (Ecclesiastes 11:4). Stand Firm When Obedience Is Unpopular • Jeremiah faced fierce opposition (Jeremiah 38:4-6) yet stayed loyal to God’s message. • “Better to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). • Anchor your identity in Christ, not in human approval (Galatians 1:10). Trust God With the Outcome • Obedience may lead through hardship, but God guards the faithful (Jeremiah 1:19). • “When I am afraid, I will trust in You” (Psalm 56:3). • Remember the long view: God vindicates those who stand on His Word (James 5:10-11). Equip Yourself Daily • Meditate on the Word continually (Joshua 1:8). • Pray in the Spirit “on all occasions” (Ephesians 6:18). • Clothe yourself with the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17) so obedience becomes a reflex. Summary Checklist for Faithful Following – Unhurried Scripture reading and prayer each day – Evaluate every impression by the literal Word – Choose immediate, whole-hearted obedience – Remain steadfast amid resistance – Rest the results with God Jeremiah listened, tested, obeyed, endured, and trusted. By walking the same path, we too can follow God’s instructions with unwavering faithfulness. |
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