How does Jeremiah 1:7 challenge our excuses for not serving God today?

The Voice That Cuts Through Our Excuses

“ But the LORD said to me, ‘Do not say, “I am only a youth,” for to everyone I send you, you must go, and whatever I command you, you must speak.’ ” (Jeremiah 1:7)

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The Excuse Factory—Then and Now

• Jeremiah’s protest—“I am only a youth”—echoes the rationalizations we still repeat:

– “I’m too young / too old.”

– “I’m not gifted enough.”

– “People won’t listen.”

– “I’m afraid.”

– “I’m too busy.”

• God’s immediate reply dismantles each pretext with a single authoritative word: “Do not say…”

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God’s Answer to Every Excuse

• Age: 1 Timothy 4:12—“Let no one despise your youth…”

• Ability: Exodus 4:10-12—God equips Moses’ tongue; He can equip ours.

• Acceptance: Ezekiel 2:5—Whether they listen or refuse, they will know a prophet has been among them.

• Fear: Isaiah 41:10—“Do not fear, for I am with you.”

• Time: Ephesians 5:16—“Redeem the time, because the days are evil.”

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The Pattern Revealed in Jeremiah 1:7

1. God issues the command (“to everyone I send you, you must go”).

2. God supplies the message (“whatever I command you, you must speak”).

3. Our part is simple obedience; His part is everything else (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:5-6).

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Why Our Excuses Fail in Light of God’s Character

• His Sovereignty—If He sends, circumstances are already under His control (Proverbs 19:21).

• His Sufficiency—He never calls without enabling (Philippians 2:13).

• His Presence—“I am with you” (Jeremiah 1:8) removes the fear factor entirely.

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Living It Out Today

• Identify the specific excuse that keeps you sidelined.

• Replace that excuse with the exact truth God speaks in Scripture.

• Take the next concrete step in obedience—call, visit, serve, speak, give, or go.

• Expect God’s enablement in real time, just as Jeremiah did.

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Final Encouragement

Jeremiah 1:7 doesn’t merely challenge our excuses; it renders them illegitimate. The Lord who once silenced a hesitant teenager still speaks: “Do not say…” Our answer is the only part still unwritten.