Pass the Test, by Dr. Corey L. Brown

Every now and then, we wonder why we haven't been promoted to the next level. For the most part, we like to blame other people and things for our inability to move ahead. I've come to discover, as in our text, that sometimes we don't get promoted because we haven't proven that we can handle where we are.

Jeremiah is complaining to God about the opposition that he's dealing with as God's prophet. He has encountered some trouble from "citizens" within the community and it seems to be getting the best of him. In so many words, God informs Jeremiah that if he can't handle the situation that's before him, he surely isn't ready for what lies ahead. If he can't handle the "citizens" now, there's no way possible that he'll be able to deal with the "officials" later (Jeremiah 38:4-6). God is letting Jeremiah know that his problems will only increase so if he can't handle his current situation, he won't be ready for the next one. God wants Jeremiah to demonstrate that he can manage his current assignment before He moves him to his next assignment. 

Please understand that God has already mapped out your future. He just wants you to show Him that you can handle where you are before He takes you to where you're supposed to be. Therefore, you'll continue to stay where you are if you fail to demonstrate that you can take care of business. Why? Because His glory is on the line!

For further study, please read Jeremiah 12:5.