Jeremiah 20:9

Pashur, the son of Immer the priest, was furious, and he attacked the prophet in person... This attack by Pashur opened up his deep inward feeling. His language is very beautiful to my mind. He did not steel his heart against the persecution. His mouth was like steel, no doubt, but his heart was very soft. He felt deep agony because of what he had to say against his enemy.

Jeremiah reminds God that it was not his desire to be a prophet, but that Jehovah had "enticed" him and had prevailed. What had he benefited from it? Nothing but derision and mockery... From every side they were defaming him. His neighbours, the people of Anathoth, watched for him to stumble, so they could take revenge on him.

The Lord compelled him, as it were, to bear this testimony. He does not have (and it is the same with the remnant) the willing spirit that rejoices in tribulation by the power of the Holy Spirit... Alas! we understand all this. We know the deep iniquity of the men who are called the people of God. We know how the weak heart shrinks back from that iniquity, which has neither heart nor conscience. And we know how at such times the word is too strong in us to be shut up in our heart.

So it is clear too that Elihu had a message from God and was not free to hold it back. He would find relief only by speaking.

Jeremiah found the Lord's word the joy and rejoicing of his heart. Yet afterwards he grew so discouraged that he says, "O Lord, You have deceived me, and I was deceived." Of course this is only a strong expression of sorrow... When the saint finds what the road is, he is apt to forget the end, where there will be fullness of joy and blessing. The Lord desires to purge out that which would hinder our blessing and keep us from having our hearts and hopes set upon the end, and to humble us.

When people no longer receive his ministry, the servant is tempted to withdraw, to fall silent, or to decide with Jeremiah not to speak any more in the Lord's name to the people. Paul knew Timothy's heart and his tendency, so he guards him against this trap. He urges him to rouse himself, and to stir up by constant use the gift he had received... The greater the confusion and departure from the truth, the greater the need for a real and living ministry. But to keep this ministry going, the servant must learn to draw his strength and courage not from the faces of the people, but from abiding and secret communion with the Lord.

When we are truly called, faith may fail. Yes, but we are miserable if we abandon it — as Jeremiah said when he no longer wished to speak: "his word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones." If it is only a fire that crackles in the thorns, it will soon go out. But if you feel that the Lord has entrusted you with His word, and has put it into your heart not only for yourself but for others, then fear nothing. Faith tested is faith strengthened. You have learnt your weakness, but you have also learnt the faithfulness of God, and His tender care even in sending the difficulties.