SCRIPTURE:
"Then I said, 'Alas, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, because I am a youth.' But the Lord said to me, 'Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ because everywhere I send you, you shall go, and all that I command you, you shall speak.'"
Jeremiah 1:6–7
OBSERVATION:
Jeremiah’s hesitation feels so familiar. He saw his limitations first, his youth, his inexperience, his fear, and believed they disqualified him. But God immediately reminded him that His call overrides all human limitations. Age, skill, and confidence levels are not the deciding factors in God’s assignments. His command to Jeremiah was simple but powerful, “Go where I send you, speak what I tell you.” God promised to equip him for every step.
APPLICATION:
I see myself in Jeremiah’s words. I often feel unqualified to speak, lead, or pray aloud. God has placed the perfect “voice” in my life who speaks boldly (but maybe not often enough!), yet I must remember I, too, am called to shepherd and speak up and speak out. My voice matters. My calling is not a backup role, it’s active and alive. I cannot hide behind insecurities or use my youth or inexperience as an excuse any longer.
I need to:
- Stop disqualifying myself — If God called me, He will make me ready.
- Rely on Him fully — My words will come from His Spirit when I listen closely.
- Choose boldness — Put a shepherd’s staff in my hand, and I feel capable. Put a microphone in my hand, and I shrink. But God can give me courage in both when I surrender my comfort to Him and claim my cause for Him.
PRAYER:
Jesus, I surrender my excuses. You have called me, and You will equip me. Wherever You send me, I will go. Whatever You command me to say, I will speak. Silence my fears, strengthen my spirit, and use my voice for Your glory. Amen
