Following the Call - Jeremiah speaks...

What follows is the record we have of Jeremiah becoming aware of God's calling as it is found in the Old Testament book of Jeremiah chapter 1...

The word of the LORD came to me, saying, Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Jeremiah 1:4-5

Jeremiah had a moment of realization when it became clear to him that God was calling him.

Interesting...

Jeremiah never went out and found God's calling on his own. God came to him. God made his calling clear.

That is something to understand - No one goes out and actually finds God's call on their own. God brings the call to them. Some call it a "kairos moment". Kairos is greek for a moment of "revelation" or a moment where God's word is "spoken clearly" into someone's life. God comes and says, in effect, "Here I am. I have a purpose for you. "

God said to Jeremiah, " Before you were born, I set you apart." God had plans for Jeremiah and, according to Jeremiah 29:11 and Ephesians 2:10, God also has plans for each of us. Plans for good! Plans to make use of our lives. For Jeremiah, God had appointed him to be a prophet - one who would speak God's specific word into places and lives to which God would lead him. We are not all gifted the same but we all have an appointment in terms of a calling to follow and serve God during our lives here on earth. But many of us, like Jeremiah, get a bit intimidated at the prospect of following God:

"Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child." 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. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 1:6-8

Lord, I can't do that! This can't be what you are calling me to! People won't listen to me! I'm just a kid! I don't speak well!

Moses gave the Lord the same kinds of excuses. Others did as well. But God does not give up on His calling on our lives. And He doesn't call us based on our abilities. He calls us because he wants to. He calls us because He wants to show His power through our weakness. All he asks is our "YES!". Even if that "YES!" comes out as a "yes...".

God equips the called. He doesn't call the equipped. One of the realities that the Lord speaks to us as He brings his calling into our lives is that He knows both who and what we are. He has always know who and what we are. There is something amazing about that reality because it means that He is under no illusions as to what he is getting when we do say "yes" to Him. He knows each of our weaknesses and He chooses us anyway. We don't have to compensate or change our selves in order to get the call. We just need to say "yes, Lord!" when He brings it to us.

I was listening to a friend the other day as she spoke about her calling. She said that when her calling came to her she did not know how to make it happen. She just stepped out and said "yes" to God. He is the one who has caused it to unfold as she has simply followed in obedience.

Do not be afraid. He is with you. He will lead you through the challenges and protect you at every turn. This is the promise of God to Jeremiah, to you and to me.

Pray: Lord, forgive me for all of the stumbling around I have done as I tried to make my calling happen. Forgive me for the times I did not wait on you but just barged ahead. Forgive me for the times I have held back from giving you my "yes" because I could not believe that I was equipped to follow You. I receive your forgiveness. I am ready to say "yes" to you now. Bring my calling to me whatever it is. I will follow. All I ask is that you be the one to lead and guide my steps as your word says that you will. I renounce the accusations and suggestions of the devil that say to me that I am unworthy or unequipped. You have forgiven and equipped me and I am yours to do with as you want. I say thins in Jesus name, amen.

Be blessed.

Boyd