Fire, Anyone?

I've been thinking a lot about something the prophet Jeremiah said.

Jeremiah was enduring some very heavy persecution. His life had become a living nightmare. He was saying what he was told. The more he spoke, the worse it got.

He said something that caused a stirring in my soul. (Jeremiah 20:7-11)

He didn't want to keep making life hard for himself, but he couldn't help it. God's words were like a 'fire shut up in his bones' (Jeremiah 20:9). He couldn't hold it in. Wow.

In my own life, I want this to be the case. There are times when I know I need to speak and say nothing. I need to take a stand on an issue or share my faith with someone who is in desperate need of Christ Jesus, yet I say nothing.

There should be in my heart a burning like a fire shut up in my bones. I should hear the prompting of the Holy Spirit and obey. I should know it's time to speak and not be able to hold it in. Even if it makes life hard for me.

Father, thank You for the examples You give us in Your Word. Thank You for putting Your Holy Spirit in me. Please help me to be still and listen. To take the focus off of myself long enough to hear You, and to speak when it is time.

God is AWESOME!