A few years ago we were planning to leave on vacation and I asked a church member to conduct the children’s message during the services. She was hesitant and said that she had no idea what to say or do with the children. I went through some resources and found two simple lessons, printed them out, and instructed her on what materials were needed and how to go through the lessons. And the services were fine.
One major obstacle to placing ourselves where God can use us is the belief that we do not have what it takes to do God’s work. We feel inadequate, unqualified and ill-equipped. Such an attitude is even seen in one of the Bible’s great prophets, Jeremiah.
Jeremiah is described as a messenger of God in about the Sixth and Seventh Centuries B.C. He is believed to have been instrumental in urging Judah to obey God in times of great political and military upheaval.
What is God’s first comment to Jeremiah? How does the prophet answer? What does God say and do?
The first thing God says to Jeremiah is a declaration of His incredible power. God knows who Jeremiah is. God made him, created him, and set him apart to be used for the kingdom. Yet Jeremiah has his doubts.
So, again God straightens out this prophet, explaining what he is to do and then giving him some reassurance. God will be with the prophet, and the words Jeremiah will speak will be God’s words.
How can we claim to be unworthy to be in the service of God when it is God who has made us and God who has called us? Do we doubt the ability of God? That is what we are actually doing when we respond to a call with claims that we are not worthy and not able.
Rather than try to wheedle our way out of serving God we must have complete confidence in the mighty works of our Lord. If God has called us, and we answer the call, then it is God doing the work and providing us with what we need. With such confidence how can we shrink away from placing ourselves in God’s path?
DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you learn to trust God in what He has called you to do?
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