"Righteous art thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously? Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins. But thou, O LORD, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter. How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of every field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein? the beasts are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our last end." (Jeremiah 12:1-4 KJV) We know and confess that God always does what is right but there are times we cannot see or understand why God does the things He does. Do you ever feel like Jeremiah and wonder why those who hate God and do not follow Him are prospering and seem to have everything they want, while those loving and obeying God are struggling with life? People often focus on what is seen and give up too quickly, rather than struggling on to achieve what God has planned for us. God said to Jeremiah: "If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan? For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee." (Jeremiah 12:5-6 KJV)Although it is the right thing to do, it is not always easy to follow God especially when even our family betrays us. We know that God's word teaches us that whatever comes into our lives is for a purpose and we need to trust Him and focus on His truth rather than the wicked and those who seemed to be prospering. God wants us to listen to Him, not to man. God will take care of the wicked. "This evil people, which refuse to hear my words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing." (Jeremiah 13:10 KJV)This is referring to a linen belt that God used to show how Israel had been to God. (Read Jeremiah 13:1-11) They had let idols and sins corrupt them to the point they were no good to God. Have you allowed idols and sins to make you good for nothing? Have you refused to listen to God's Word? Why not do as Jeremiah did…"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts." (Jeremiah 15:16 KJV) God's word brings joy and makes us useful to God.
