What steps can we take to be obedient to God's call like Jeremiah? The Moment God’s Word Arrives Jeremiah 1:2 notes, “The word of the LORD came to him in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah”. • God initiates the call; our first step is to notice it. • Stay in Scripture daily (Psalm 119:105) so you recognize His voice when it comes (John 10:27). • Cultivate quiet before Him—Samuel responded, “Speak, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10). Embrace God’s Prior Claim on Your Life • Jeremiah 1:5 shows God’s foreknowledge and purpose: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you… I appointed you.” • Rest in the truth that your calling is not self-generated; it is God’s design (Ephesians 2:10). • Confidence grows when we see ourselves as His workmanship rather than self-made volunteers. Lay Down Every Excuse • Jeremiah protested, “I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy” (Jeremiah 1:6). • God answers excuses with commands and promises: “You must go… you must speak” (1:7). • Moses tried the same (Exodus 4:10–12); God’s answer then and now—“I will be with your mouth.” • Replace “I can’t” with “God will” (Philippians 4:13). Depend on the Lord’s Presence and Protection • “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you” (Jeremiah 1:8). • Jesus gave the same assurance—“I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). • Practical steps: – Pray before every task. – Recall past deliverances (Psalm 77:11). – Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness with fellow believers for mutual courage (Hebrews 10:24–25). Speak the Message Exactly as Given • God touched Jeremiah’s mouth: “I have put My words in your mouth” (Jeremiah 1:9). • Our charge mirrors Paul’s: “I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19). • Guard against adding to or subtracting from Scripture (Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18–19). • Let the Word do the work (Hebrews 4:12). Persevere When Opposition Rises • God warned Jeremiah that his message would uproot and tear down before it built up (1:10). • Expect resistance (2 Timothy 3:12). • Anchor yourself in God’s promise: “They will fight against you but will not overcome you” (Jeremiah 1:19). • Keep a long-range view—faithfulness outlasts immediate results (Galatians 6:9). Live in Continual Communion • Jeremiah’s ministry flowed from ongoing conversations with God (Jeremiah 7:1; 13:3). • Maintain spiritual disciplines: – Prayer (Colossians 4:2). – Meditation on Scripture (Psalm 1:2). – Obedient action as soon as God speaks (James 1:22-25). Celebrate Fulfilled Promises • Decades later, Jeremiah could testify that God’s word proved true (Jeremiah 32:17–27). • Record God’s interventions in a journal; revisit them to fuel fresh obedience. • Like Mary, say, “May it happen to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Follow these steps, and—like Jeremiah—you’ll stand ready when the word of the LORD comes, equipped to obey fully and faithfully. |
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