#soap # Jeremiah 12 ## Title: Toughen Up ## Scripture: (Jeremiah 12:5) The Lord answered, “If you have raced on foot against men and they have worn you out, how will you be able to compete with horses? And if you feel secure only in safe and open country, how will you manage in the thick undergrowth along the Jordan River? (NET) ## Observation: God tells Jeremiah he needs to toughen up for the calling on his life will require it. Wow. That’s the other side of God’s plan we don’t always think about. When I was young, I desperately wanted God to tell me His plan for my life. I wanted that plan to be big, impactful, and full of adventure. However, what I didn’t understand is that the bigger the plan, the more it will require of me. Have you ever thought about that? For everything we ask of God, we are also signing up for whatever tools are required to sustain it. We want to get married, we are signing up for patience, a lifelong journey to learn, and so much more. We want to have children, we are signing up to be selfless. We want to have wealth, we are signing up for one of the hardest roads because nothing fights for our affections like money. If we want God to give us great things, we have to toughen up and prepare for great training. ## Application: Toughen up and move forward. Your future is waiting. ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for teaching us along the way so we can sustain what You want to do.