Happy Friday! The past 48 hours have been truly spirit filled in the best of ways. Lingering with Jesus yesterday was much needed to decompress. Our shop was incredibly busy today —– Praise God! I was late leaving, but need to post yesterday’s notes about Jeremiah 12.

When I made it home Wednesday night, Mark and I had a deep conversation about numbers, finances and budgets. Our least favorite type of conversation, yet necessary. We prayed together a little differently.

I woke extra early and it was the first day I had an opportunity to sleep in. I snuggled up with Mark, took a sip of coffee and told him I needed to go back to sleep. Ha! The Lord had other plans for me.

Within a few minutes, I was nudged HARD to have Mark flip open my Bible. I told him,”can’t rest until you flip for us”. He flipped to Jeremiah 12.

God had already written His response in Jeremiah 12. Not rushed. Not harsh. Just steady, honest truth for a weary heart that’s learning how to listen instead of striving.

In my heart- just seeing 12:3 always makes me think of how Isaiah teaches “with JOY I draw from the wellspring of salvation.” And John 12:3 – reminding me that pouring out like Mary – for Jesus- is everything.

Jeremiah asked what so many of us ask quietly: Why do the wicked seem to prosper while the faithful struggle? And instead of correcting the question, God answered it—with perspective.

I read the entire chapter out loud to Mark and we agreed it was encouragement for us both. Then, I was not only able to rest, I slept until 10:20! The Good Lord woke me in just enough time to brush my hair and put on clothe for jiu-jitsu at 11. It was super nice to learn I am a good accountability partner for John and to get additional private instruction after class with Blackbelt John, as well.

Here’s what stayed with me about Jeremiah 12 all day.

First, God is not offended by honest questions. He welcomes them. But He also reminds us to stay rooted while we wait. Lament is allowed; accusation is not. The conversation itself is part of the relationship. Dedicating that time each day is super important to me.

Second, the pressure I feel is not punishment—it’s preparation. When God says, “If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how will you compete with horses?” it’s not a rebuke. It’s a reminder that endurance is being built for something heavier, something ahead that requires stronger spiritual legs than I may have today.

And third, even God grieves. Jeremiah 12 reveals a Father’s heart that hurts over unfaithfulness—but still leaves the door open for restoration. Discipline doesn’t cancel mercy. Judgment is never His final word for those willing to return.

I didn’t wake up with clarity. Still, I woke up to answers—waiting patiently on the page. ISWYDT.

I love, love, LOVE when the Holy Spirit gets me with the old 1-2-3. I love His laws and precepts. I love that meditating on His Word is such a feast.

Thank you, Jesus.