REGARDLESS OF HOW OTHERS VIEW YOU, YOU ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO GOD!

BIBLE PASSAGE:
“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 1:5)

MEDITATION:
When we read about Jeremiah’s account of the Lord speaking to him,
it should cause us to realize that God has plans for every one of us.
He knew us before He created us in the womb
and He had an appointment for each person He created.

We can question why Jeremiah would make excuses for not fulfilling
his calling from God, but there are many today who are doing the same thing.
“Ah, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak;
I am only a child.” (Jeremiah 1:6)

The command the Lord gave to Jeremiah
is the same command He has for us today:
“Don’t makes excuses, just fulfill what I have called you to do”.
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. (Jeremiah 1:7)

The Lord doesn’t just give us a “call” to serve Him, but He also assures
us that He will help us in dealing with any calamities we may encounter.
Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,”
declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 1:8)
They will fight against you but will not overcome you,
for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 1:19)

Additionally, He tells us that there will be consequences
if we fail to answer His “call”.
“Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you.
Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. (Jeremiah 1:17)

Why would the Lord have plans for us and call us to serve?
I think there are at least 3 reasons:
1. He loves us and wants us to experience the joy and satisfaction of serving Him.
2. He can see everything from beginning to end a
    and He knows how people will turn away from Him.
3. He wants us to enjoy participating in His ministry
    (and will give us guidance and courage we need).

When the Lord described the environment during Jeremiah’s time,
we can see some parallels in our world today.
I will pronounce my judgments on my people because of their wickedness
in forsaking me, in burning incense to other gods and in worshiping what
their hands have made. (Jeremiah 1:16)

People are giving top priority to things other than God,
and have been turning away from Him in large numbers.
Many Christians have become more complacent
and lackadaisical regarding worship attendance.

People are choosing to disregard the Lord’s command
to encourage each other and meet together as believers.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good
deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but
encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
(Hebrews 10:24-25)

ACTION:
The Lord has a plan for, and calls all Christians to get involved in His ministry.
He is not surprised by the downward spiral the world is in today,
and He is recruiting people of faith to answer His call.
We need to prepare ourselves to serve
by continually praying and spending time in His word.

Although God’s calling may cause apprehension and concern,
we should have the courage (and faith) to answer His call.
We shouldn’t be concerned that He may call on us,
but we should have concerns if He doesn’t call on us to serve in some capacity.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me and having plans for me.
Forgive me if I have failed to respond to Your call to serve You. Help
me to realize the importance of being involved in Your ministry in
whatever capacity You have chosen for me. Thank You for valuing
me enough to include me in what You are doing to point others to Your
Son and save them from eternal damnation.”

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