There’s just something about passionate people that makes us sit up and take notice. We may not even agree with or hold the same passion, but we listen. Their passion is like a burning fire and while we may or may not catch the spark and burn likewise, we’re affected by their fiery heat one way or the other.
Of course the best kind of passion is the one that’s planted in your heart by God. It starts small, kindled by a simple observation, a gentle tug of the heart, a word spoken in passing, something you read, or, sometimes, just out of the blue. Then it heats up as God feeds your initial interest with concern, righteous indignation, excitement, what-ifs, and enthusiasm. Before you know it the God-planted passion is burning in your soul and threatening to overflow like a mighty volcano.
That’s how it was with Jeremiah, even when he’d “had it up to here” with the people he confronted with his fiery messages of God’s wrath, love, and forgiveness.
So true, Kay, on every count! We get fired up about something, and then discouraged when nobody shares our enthusiasm.
My passion is small group Bible study. It's easy to get discouraged when people don't come or don't do homework or don't participate. But then I think about Jeremiah and other OT prophets (and Jesus HIMSELF!) who stared at similar blank faces and empty seats, but kept loving people and doing what they were called to do.
It's not about results, it's about obedience.
Thanks for such a timely reminder.
Hugs from VA
Kay,
Your message was very timely. God has placed two very strong burdens within my heart and now is the "waiting to see His plan" time . . . 1) Several weeks ago, I was ready to step aside from WM because I felt maybe I was in God's way . . . I was frustrated with the lack of desire in others to be in His Word, but devoted time to Facebook, Twitter, even spiritual books, but not the Good Book; then, at a prayer retreat, God said to me in what couldn't have been more clear if it had been completely audible "You've been praying for me to break your heart for what breaks mine . . . well, here it is!" . . . Now, I'm praying over what He would have me do with this revelation; 2) Since October/November'ish, He has been working in my heart to reveal the pains and disgust of human trafficking, especially sexual exploitation of children. Again, what do I do with this? All that being said, thank you for affirmation that everyone will not have the same passions, yet God gave us this for His reason – it is up to me and only me to obey His directions for the individual passion He gave me.
Thank you . . . Ann Bertschin – WM Leader @ Salem Baptist Church, McDonough