Jeremiah was told to position himself to hear God’s word: Jeremiah 18: 1 – 2 The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying: “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.”
We actually hear a lot about positioning in life, even if we don’t realise it. When talking about sports people talk about the position they play, or in work, what position someone holds, or if someone is in a position to speak, a position to buy a house, a position to go on holiday, or are they are in a position to give generously, and so on.
In our walk with God positioning yourself correctly and being available before Him is vital to going deeper in our relationship with Him. This isn’t about changing yourself to go deeper; it’s God who does the changing and the shaping. But Jeremiah teaches us it is important to be alert to the Lord’s leading so that we get ourselves into the right place to hear from God and be where He wants us to be. That we remove any blockages, hindrances, bitterness, unforgiveness, pride, and even good things that aren’t His things, or whatever the Holy Spirit highlights to us to deal with.
Just as a sail on a boat needs to be set in the right place to catch the wind to move, we are invited to position our hearts to hear God and be blown in the direction He desires. John 3:8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Oh, that each of us would know this leading of the Spirit daily.
Jeremiah was instructed by God to go to the potter’s house and position himself there to hear the word of the Lord. He voluntarily went, just like every time God asked him to do something. Following Jesus isn’t a one-time surrender, like you tick a box and move on never to return. Yes, there is an initial surrender to Jesus at salvation, but surrender is also an ongoing process to God’s leading in your life. The reality of ongoing surrender to God can be scary as He may ask us to do some difficult things, give up some things, leave a place, go to a place, or say something to someone we feel God wants them to know. Surrender may be frightening at times, but it is also beautifully freeing, exciting and life-giving as we are being guided by His eye.
May we be like the men of Issachar in 1 Chronicles 12:32 who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do. Thank God we aren’t alone in figuring out His good and perfect will, but He has given us His Spirit!
So, what position do you find yourself in today? What is God leading you to do?
Heavenly Father, we bless You and thank You for Jesus, we thank You for the Holy Spirit. Lord, we confess Your plan for us is always best when our plan will only be second best. Lord, help us to position ourselves each day to be blown by the Spirit to the spaces and places You desire. Lord, enable us to discern the times and step in the direction You want. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.