in Arabic

It’s not you anyway – it’s God working in you

Jeremiah 1:6-8 Then said I: "Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth." But the Lord said to me: "Do not say, 'I am a youth,' For you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you," says the Lord.

Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

When God wants to use someone, He doesn’t respond to excuses such as those Jeremiah used: “I can’t do that! I’m far too young! I’m only a youth!”

Jeremiah may not have felt qualified because he lacked training and experience. But that didn’t matter to God. God overruled his excuses and let him know that His authority and presence didn’t depend on Jeremiah’s training or experience. God was present in the prophet’s life.

Excuses don’t limit God when He wants to get hold of our life. So get rid of your excuses and prepare yourself to be used by God. Preparing yourself means being open to God and faithful to living the Christian life. If you have any excuses, go ahead and list them and talk to God about it. You can also share them with your pastor, or with a spiritual friend, and then throw them away.

Remember, it’s not you anyway – it’s God working in you. jk

Additional Verses for Study: Exodus 4:10-14; Judges 6:12-17; Isaiah 6:5-8; Matthew 4:19; Luke 5:8-10; John 15:16; Romans 11:29, 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, 15:9-10; Ephesians 2:3-5; 2 Timothy 1:9