In Jeremiah chapter one, we learn that God spoke to Jeremiah and had done so for years. However, before ever speaking to him, He had a plan for Jeremiah. This plan predated the birth of Jeremiah. God set Jeremiah apart before forming him in his mother’s womb. He had a divine plan for Jeremiah that would make Jeremiah a prophet to the nations. Just as he does for each and every one of us. Yet, when God called Jeremiah to the task, Jeremiah responded, “But I said, Hold it, Master God! Look at me. I don’t know anything. I’m only a boy.” Jeremiah 1:6 MSG My “but I” was very similar to Jeremiah’s. 

Wherever imperfect human beings are, there will be conflict, and the church is not excluded. I have been a member of my church for almost 10 years now. I have seen and been a part of disagreements, but not to the magnitude I was a part of this past year. There were decisions made and ways of going about them that I disagreed with. Although I was passionate about sharing what I believed to be the truth of God’s word, I questioned my position. Most of the members involved in these conflicts have served God in this church for decades, longer than I have been alive. They have been serving God and have experienced more life for much longer. Who am I to tell them they are wrong or could have handled certain situations better? I am just a girl. 

God answered both Jeremiah and me. But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ 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 1:7-8 NIV I added the emphasis here because God emphasized these words to me. Although I was passionate about God’s word and the church living out those words, I was not to act or speak on my own accord. I was to be obedient to the commands of God. I was only to go to those he led me to and speak only the words he gave. Was I perfectly obedient? No. Yet, God has called you and me both to complete a task for Him knowing that we are imperfect. We can only complete those tasks by obeying him and relying on him regardless of our odds. 

What is your “But I”? What insecurity keeps you from believing that God can and wants to use you for the purpose He has set you apart for? Take heart. God tells us, “Get up and prepare for action. Go out and tell them everything I tell you to say. Do not be afraid of them, or I will make you look foolish in front of them. For see, today I have made you strong like a fortified city that cannot be captured, like an iron pillar or a bronze wall. You will stand against the whole land—the kings, officials, priests, and people of Judah. They will fight you, but they will fail. For I am with you, and I will take care of you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Jeremiah 1:17-19 NLT