The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “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.” “Ah, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.” 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 1:5-7

The prophet Jeremiah was known for being pessimistic about the present and constantly foretelling a calamitous future. Jeremiah found his work so painful that he cursed the day he was born and was called “the Weeping Prophet.” God had called him to confront the people of Judah about their idol worship and child sacrifices (Jeremiah 32:35), yet God had already told him that the people would not listen (Jeremiah 7:27).

Jeremiah was not eager to accept God’s calling on his life. He argued with God that at his age of 21, he was too young, inexperienced, and bad at public speaking for the job of a prophet. God responded, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ 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'” (Jeremiah 1:4-10). God touched Jeremiah’s mouth so that Jeremiah spoke God’s own words.

Jeremiah was able to serve God faithfully not because of pious resolve but because He got up, every day, to be alone with God before facing the many struggles that God called him to. Has God asked something difficult of you? Spending time with Him and in His Word is the only thing that will equip you for the tasks He has appointed you to. God longs to bless you with strength and encouragement when you come to Him.

Resource Reading:  Jeremiah 15:15-16