Answering God’s Call: Lessons from Jeremiah’s Story
Answering God’s Call: Lessons from Jeremiah’s Story
When God calls us to serve, we often respond with excuses. Through Jeremiah’s story, we learn important truths about God’s calling and how He equips those He calls.
God’s Love Comes Before His Call
Before giving Jeremiah his assignment, God first declared His love and knowledge of Jeremiah: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” This shows that God’s calling flows from His deep love and intimate knowledge of us. He doesn’t just give us tasks – He calls us because He knows and loves us completely.
Common Excuses We Make When God Calls
Like Jeremiah, we often respond to God’s call with excuses:
“I’m too young”
“I don’t know what to say”
“I’m not qualified”
“I’m afraid”
But God’s response to Jeremiah shows that no excuse can stand against His calling. When God calls, He also equips and empowers.
God’s Promise of His Presence
God promised Jeremiah: “Do not be afraid…for I am with you to deliver you.” This same promise extends to us today. When God calls us to serve, He doesn’t send us alone – He goes with us and provides everything we need.
The Power of God’s Words Through Us
God told Jeremiah “I have put my words in your mouth.” While not everyone is called to be a prophet or preacher, every Christian has a prophetic voice – speaking God’s truth to a world that desperately needs to hear it.
Life Application
This week, consider:
What excuses have you been making to avoid God’s calling?
Where is God asking you to speak His truth?
How can you step out in faith, trusting His presence and provision?
Challenge: Identify one area where you’ve been hesitant to answer God’s call. Take one small step of obedience this week, remembering that God goes with you and will give you the words to speak.
Questions for Reflection:
What specific calling has God placed on your life that you’ve been resistant to?
How does knowing God loved and knew you before birth change your perspective on His calling?
Where do you need to trust God’s presence and provision more fully this week?