Jeremiah had an excuse for why he didn’t think he could speak for God. He thought he was too young. God didn’t think so. We’ve probably used excuses like Jeremiah to plea with God when we are being called to do something uncomfortable. Can you recall a time when you felt unprepared and wondered how God was going to use you?
As we walk through the book of Jeremiah together, it will be helpful to keep in mind that overall, Jeremiah’s message is one of hope set against the backdrop of political disaster and immense human suffering. This should be helpful for us today in finding hope in a world that seems a little out of control.
Remember, too, that Jeremiah is a preacher speaking for God and not a writer. His accounts are written down by a scribe who carefully captured the messages Jeremiah was preaching. There was a huge transition happening in those days, and Jeremiah was caught up in the middle of it. Many, if not all, of his readers would be reading his prophecies after the fall and captivity.
How would it have made you feel to hear God telling you, “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” Think of the emotions of great honor, fear of failure, and possibly a surge of adrenaline. I would have immediately questioned my worthiness.
We should imagine God intimately knew us before we were born, too. What plans do you think God was working out for you and your life?
For me, I can see how I’ve always loved to write. God gave me that ability and passion. I’ve written short stories, poems, legal pleadings, newspaper articles, blog posts, and now even books. But it wasn’t until a couple years ago that God told me his plan for me all along. He wanted me to write for him.
I’ve had all sorts of excuses come up since then. But I can honestly say that “being too young” has never been one of them. I have come to a place of peace knowing that God is leading the way here. All I have to do is be obedient.
The best thing we can do is follow the direction God gave to Jeremiah. And that is, to “go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you.” What can we be afraid of when we trust God to show us the way and give us the words to say?
We can even ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with the right words to glorify God. I can remember many uncomfortable conversations when finding the right words seemed impossible. Because I tend to want to fix every situation (not always a good tendency), I never want to say the wrong thing. Every time I ask God for the words, I am amazed at the wisdom that flows out of my mouth. It’s not from me, it’s all from God.
It’s those times of feeling like God’s vessel that can really energize you. If it’s been a while for you, what are you waiting for? Ask God to use you and give you an assignment. Then get ready. Jesus said to his disciples in Matthew 9:37-“The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Pray for your assignment as one of those workers! Let God speak through you like he did Jeremiah.
Let’s pray … Lord, thank you for the assignment you have given me. Help me not to get ahead of you but to listen for your voice. I am so grateful that I can always rely on you to give me the words to say. I look forward to reading through Jeremiah’s prophecies and seeing your hand at work. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
