God's Word: We're into the Book of Jeremiah. Jeremiah was another prophet trying to turn Israel back to God. Jeremiah ministered under Judah's final five kinds and Israel was sliding into the abyss. Please read Jeremiah, Chapter 1 and reflect upon Jeremiah's Call. Something to think about: This is your basic Call and Response. God often calls the completely unqualified for service to Him and the unqualified always say they are not qualified. You might have had this same argument. I know I did!
But, the truth is, what is it that uniquely qualifies us to serve God? Is it great education? Is it worldly wisdom? Is it age, or gender or socio-economic status? None of these things qualifies us to serve God. A simple "Yes" when asked is about the limit to the qualifications. God qualifies the unqualified and He will prepare the unprepared, IF we are willing. He can't do anything with the unwilling. He may pursue us relentlessly but He cannot force us to say yes. Until we do, He cannot use us.
I hope you take a few moments to reread this chapter. It is a beautiful exchange between God and a reluctant prophet. Jeremiah doesn't feel qualified to do what he has been called to do – and he knows it will be dangerous to boot. But, God tells him the same thing He tells us: "Do what I tell you to do and don't be afraid, for I am with you."
So, if you have been wrestling with a Call on your life don't wait until you are qualified to step up because you'll never be qualified. God does that. What God is really asking us is: "Can you trust me to give you what you need to do to do this? If you can, we'll make a great team!" So, if you've felt a Call and have said no, revisit the conversation. God would never ask you to do something the two of you couldn't get done. Think about it. Pray about it. Maybe it's time to revisit the conversation. Only this time, you do the listening. Let Him do the talking. It'll go much smoother this time. |
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