Jeremiah 1:6-7 6 “Ah, Sovereign LORD,” (Jeremiah) said, “I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.” 7 But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to, and say whatever I command you (NIV).”
Have you ever wanted to share peace in Jesus with someone, only to have, “But I don’t know what to say!” popcorning around in your mind? Many Christians know what it feels like to have words in a traffic jam between their heart and their mouth.
Well, you aren’t the only one. The prophet Jeremiah knows the feeling too. Even though he was one of the greatest prophets in the Bible, check out what he said immediately after the LORD commissioned him to be his lead prophet. Jeremiah claimed, “I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.”
Did the LORD let Jeremiah off the hook? Did God slump his shoulders and say, “Oh, well. I was hoping to shoehorn you into the job, but I guess not.” No. This day was not all about Jeremiah. It was all about the LORD. Would the LORD ask someone to do any task he had not already perfectly equipped them to do? This is why Jeremiah made a perfect prophet. He was feeling weak in his own capability, but also ready to say anything the LORD wanted him to say. Now, the LORD had Jeremiah EXACTLY where he wanted him!
The same holds for you. Do not be afraid. Do not be YOU-centered. Embrace being weak in your personal capability, but strong in your commitment to do or say anything God-pleasing. Today is all about the LORD and his will for you. So, ask him to help you listen to one heart today. Ask him to help you speak his truth in love. God is eternal and unchanging. If he was with Jeremiah 2,600 years ago, will he not also be with you?
Prayer: Gracious God, your work and your passion is to prepare sinners for eternity. Use everything I have for your glory. Give me a listening heart, that I might get the chance to serve someone you care deeply about. Quell my fears, and help me to know when to quietly listen, and when to speak your words of wisdom. Amen.
Nathan Buege
Pastor, Victory of the Lamb Lutheran Church
Katy, TX
“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:1
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