Why is it so hard to see ourselves through God’s lens?
Jeremiah’s throat clenched as he heard God speak.
““Before I shaped you in the womb,
I knew all about you.
Before you saw the light of day,
I had holy plans for you:
A prophet to the nations—
that’s what I had in mind for you.”
Expectations can be overwhelming. Especially when we feel like the bar is raised too high or the potential for failure seems likely.
Jeremiah responds, “But I said, “Hold it, Master God! Look at me.
I don’t know anything. I’m only a boy!”
God didn’t have to look at him. God formed him.
“God told me, “Don’t say, ‘I’m only a boy.’
I’ll tell you where to go and you’ll go there.
I’ll tell you what to say and you’ll say it.
Don’t be afraid of a soul.
I’ll be right there, looking after you.”
God’s Decree.”
.When God calls you, “onlys” don’t mean much.
““Stand at attention while I prepare you for your work.
I’m making you as impregnable as a castle,
Immovable as a steel post,
solid as a concrete block wall.
You’re a one-man defense system
against this culture,
Against Judah’s kings and princes,
against the priests and local leaders.
They’ll fight you, but they won’t
even scratch you.
I’ll back you up every inch of the way.”
God’s Decree.”
Jeremiah relented. It’s hard to make a case against the One who created you, knows your potential, and promises (decrees) you will be shaped to carry out your purpose.
How are you responding to God’s calling on your life?
*The scripture is from Jeremiah 1:1-18
This post was written for the Five Minute Friday Writing Community. Come join us! http://fiveminutefriday.com/
exploring sacred connections with God and each otherr
So true! Expectations can indeed be overwhelming. I’m glad God sees potential in us before we see it in ourselves. I’m in the 43 spot this week.
Amen. God calls us and we must obediently follow. He gives us the strength. He provides guidance through the Holy Spirit–we need to pay attention. I’m so thankful for the examples in the Bible.
I’m overwhelmed with the thought
God saw me right where I was,
yet He loved me.
Great post, Stephanie.
I think that whenever we do God’s work, we’ve fulfilled the potential He has placed in us. He doesn’t see previous failures, doesn’t measure us against what we might become, because He is the God of Now.
Those are encouraging words Andrew.
I love Jeremiah. The honesty of his words never ceases to encourage me. He just lays it all out there with God. Then, he’s able to do as God directs. Such a good lesson for us all.