I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people.

Jeremiah 31:33

With the local theatre production moments away, the tiny actress stood backstage and listened to the excited rumble of voices in the audience. Her knees weakened and she turned a pale shade of green, followed by tears. After many weeks of rehearsals, there was no way she was going out there. No. Way.

Well, her mom had other plans. “Cry it out. Then wash your face, take a deep breath, and get out there. You’ve worked hard. The cast and director are counting on you. You can do this.”

Ever been there with one of your kiddos? Torn between rescuing her from her fears and giving her the push needed to overcome? Mom life is full of challenges we didn’t see coming.

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The people had done it again.

Turned from God and began their worship of idols.

Had He rescued them from the taskmaster? Yes.

Parted the sea? Yes.

Empowered men who were farmers and brick makers, turning them into the army of the Lord? Yes.

And yet…

The people chose to forget. They chose to do life their own way. Again.

The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah. Chosen before he was even born, God instructed him to get ready because the assignment in his future would be a big one.

Jeremiah was all like—not me Lord. I’m just a kid. You don’t mean it.

And God’s answer was powerful. Yes, you will. Why? Because I said so.

Jeremiah would deliver a message to the nations: uproot, tear down, destroy, demolish.

“Well, Happy Thanksgiving to you too, Shelley.”

(Hang in there, this really is a Thanksgiving-focused article, but there’s truth to feed us all year long.)

Jeremiah tried to convince the Lord of his inability to speak because he was too young. The Lord nipped it. 

The Lord responded quickly. Stop it. Don’t give me that excuse. You will do as I say. I will be with you. I will put the words into your mouth. You will deliver a strong and difficult message.

Here’s the Thanksgiving part…(from the opening chapter of Jeremiah )

He is the personal God. I chose you before I formed you. I set you apart before you were born.

He is the God who takes no sass. Do not say: I am only a youth. You will go to everyone I send you to and you will speak whatever I tell you.

He is the God who protects. I will be with you. I will deliver you.

He is the God who provides. I have filled your mouth with My words.

He is the God who disciplines His people. Destruction is coming. 

He is the God of restoration and hope. The days are coming when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel … I will put My law within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God and they will be My people … I will forgive their wrongdoing and never again remember their sin (Jeremiah 31:31-34).

Our awesome God is involved with his creation. He is not a bystander or audience member. 

Thank you, Lord!

He sees, knows, plans, and is present, parenting in the wisest and most connected way. 

Thank you, Father!

He reaches and gathers in, brings healing of the heart, blots out sin, and recovers relationships.

Thank you, Savior!

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Perhaps when we sit down to eat, instead of asking each person at the table to name what they are thankful for, we can begin a new tradition. Let’s talk about our personal, protecting, providing, and present Lord. Let’s talk about the very reason we can be thankful.

Let’s talk about Jesus. 

Oh, and the little one’s first performance of opening night? She took her wobbly self out there and overcame her fear. Her trusted mom spoke truth and confidence to her. Because she listened to the one who knows her best, she was able to finish what she started. Who knows? Maybe someday she will impact the stage-world for Jesus.

Let us give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His mercies endure forever.  

Psalm 136:1

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Let’s talk about the very reason we can be thankful. Let’s talk about Jesus. Shelley Pierce #Thanksgiving #Family

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