Preaching in Adversity

Jeremiah 15:16-21
(16) Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts.
(17) I did not sit in the company of revelers, nor did I rejoice; I sat alone, because your hand was upon me, for you had filled me with indignation.
(18) Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Will you be to me like a deceitful brook, like waters that fail?
(19) Therefore thus says the LORD: "If you return, I will restore you, and you shall stand before me. If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall be as my mouth. They shall turn to you, but you shall not turn to them.
(20) And I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail over you, for I am with you to save you and deliver you, declares the LORD.
(21) I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless."

I think that this passage has served as a balm for many a weary preacher. Jeremiah delighted in God's Word. Unlike the reaction of many, Scripture was sweet to Jeremiah.

However, he couldn't understand why his life turned out the way it did. Where were the blessings that came from faithfulness? Why were things so hard for him?

God reassures Him that He would protect Jeremiah. He would take care of him as he preached truth. I know that this certainly comforts and encourages me, assuming that I can claim the promise for me as well. I'm not sure if it applies or not. After all, this was God talking to Jeremiah. He wasn't necessarily giving this promise to all future preachers. Therefore, it may be a stretch to say that it applies to faithful men today.

However, I sure hope that it does. I do know that even if things don't go so well in this life God will take care of the faithful in the next.