These are powerful words spoken by God to Jeremiah. The words which follow are words of encouragement and assurance. If Jeremiah steps up and speaks the word of God to the people, God will strengthen him to do so. Even though he will meet opposition, he will not be overcome.
The words of God to Jeremiah can also be a real encouragement to us. Before my birth, God knew me and gifted me to live out God’s purposes for me in the world. Jeremiah, in confronting his calling was, understandably anxious and protested that he was too young, saying: “I am only a child.” But God has confidence in Jeremiah, and God also has confidence in us. When he calls us for a particular task, he also equips us for it.
Each of us is called in a distinctive way that comes from our own history, life experience, genetic make-up, desires and talents. We have what we might call a “personal vocation” – a particular way that we are called to be present and active in the world.
What might your call be? Perhaps to be one who encourages or challenges injustice or consoles the broken-hearted, or who teaches the young. Maybe you are called to write or speak or to give the comfort of attentive listening.
God has appointed each of us to respond in the particular way only we can. And God is right with us as we live that out, giving us the capacity we need to respond wholeheartedly.
Spend some time today reflecting on where you are being called by God?
What gifts have you been given to respond to this call?
