Calling Upon God in Times of Trial: A Reflection on Jeremiah 33:3

 “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” – Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV)

A Promise for Uncertain Times

Have you ever faced a moment when the path ahead seemed unclear, and the burdens of life pressed heavily upon your soul? Perhaps even now you find yourself in such a season—grappling with decisions, enduring trials, or yearning for guidance. In these times, it is easy to feel alone, as though no one comprehends the depth of your struggle. Yet, there is One who does, and He bids you call upon Him.

In Jeremiah 33:3, the Lord declares: “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” These words, spoken to the prophet Jeremiah in a time of great distress, carry a promise not only for him but for all who seek God in prayer. As we journey through the challenges of 2025, this verse shines as a light of hope, assuring us that God is near, attentive, and ready to reveal His wisdom to those who trust in Him.

 Hope in the Midst of Crisis

To grasp the full weight of Jeremiah 33:3, we must consider the circumstances in which it was given. Jeremiah, a faithful servant of God, was shut up in prison by his own people for proclaiming a message of coming judgment. Beyond the prison walls, the kingdom of Judah lay under siege by the Babylonians, teetering on the brink of ruin and exile. It was an hour of fear, confusion, and sorrow.

Yet, in this dark moment, the Lord spake unto Jeremiah with words of hope. “Call unto me,” He said, “and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Amidst national calamity and personal affliction, God affirmed that prayer was not only possible but mighty. The promise of “great and mighty things” pointed to divine revelations—truths beyond human ken, including God’s purposes for restoration and the future coming of the Messiah (Jeremiah 33:15).

For us today, this setting speaks volumes. It assures us that no matter how grievous our trials—whether personal, communal, or global—God invites us to seek Him. His promise to answer stands firm, offering comfort and direction even when all seems lost.

A Message for Today’s Believer

As believers who cherish the infallible truth of Scripture, we find in Jeremiah 33:3 a testament to God’s nearness and care. This verse upholds our conviction that the Lord is not aloof but deeply engaged with those who call upon Him. It underscores prayer as a vital link to divine wisdom, resonating with our faith in a personal relationship with God.

In an age of turmoil—where cultural shifts, moral struggles, and global unrest abound—this promise rings truer than ever. Like Jeremiah, we dwell in a world where godly principles are oft assailed. Yet, God’s call remains: “Call unto me.” He is not dismayed by the woes of our day, and He stands ready to unveil His will to those who approach Him in faith.

Hearken to the words of our Saviour in Matthew 7:7-8: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” These words echo Jeremiah’s experience, teaching us that prayer is not a last refuge but a first step. When we call upon God, we may trust that He shall answer, often in ways that exceed our understanding.

Applying Jeremiah 33:3 to Your Life

How, then, shall we live out this promise in our walk with Christ? Consider these steps:

1. Make Prayer a Priority: Set apart time each day to call upon God. Whether in the stillness of dawn or a quiet pause amidst the storm, seek His presence. Prayer is not merely a plea for aid—it is fellowship with the Almighty who knows you fully.
2. Pray Boldly, Especially in Trials: When troubles come—be they personal griefs, family cares, or fears for the world—bring them before the Lord without delay. Jeremiah’s story proves that God’s call to prayer shines brightest in the darkest hours.
3. Expect God to Answer: The Lord’s promise in Jeremiah 33:3 is sure: He will answer. His reply may come as insight into His will, a peace that passeth understanding, or a change in your lot. Keep a record of your prayers and God’s answers, and in time, you shall behold His faithfulness.
4. Trust in God’s Sovereignty: The “great and mighty things” He reveals may not match our desires, yet they are ever for our good and His glory. As it is written in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”

Stories of Answered Prayer: Faith in Action

Through the ages, countless saints have tasted the truth of Jeremiah 33:3. George Müller, by prayer alone, sustained thousands of orphans, trusting God’s provision. Even now, testimonies of healing, deliverance, and guidance abound, proving that God’s promise endures.

Perchance you too have known His answer—perhaps a moment when He granted wisdom for a hard choice or met a need unlooked for. These accounts testify that God’s word is not a tale of old but a living hope for all who call upon Him.

 A Call to Trust and Obey

As we ponder Jeremiah 33:3, let us be stirred to deepen our prayer, knowing that God delights to hear us. In a world that oft overwhelms, this verse reminds us we are never forsaken. God bids us call upon Him, promising to answer and to unveil truths that bring hope, guidance, and peace.

So today, I entreat you: pause and pray. Call upon the Lord with boldness, trusting He shall answer. And as you do, may you rejoice in the “great and mighty things” He hath prepared for you.

Share your thoughts: How hath God answered your prayers in times of trial? Leave a comment below and uplift others with your testimony.

DMMC 7-18-25