Known, Called, Empowered
Today was the final day for the Allies Men’s Retreat. The speaker was former NFL player Joe Jackson who was part of the famed “Purple People Eaters” defense of the Minnesota Vikings. During our time, Joe challenged men to their destiny and fulfilling their God-given purpose in life and reminding them that God is able to restore us from “a fall.”
Joe attended my seminar session on Saturday and was very supportive of and challenged by my experience and the lessons I shared.
I actually found this weekend more of a challenge physically for me than I anticipated. The odd thing that I found out was that my walker was not sliding as it should have been and it actually took more effort for me to navigate. After a full day yesterday, I was fairly fatigued and felt weaker today than I anticipated. I appreciated the help and support of the my friends at the retreat. I received more prayer in the past 72 hours than any time I can remember in recent years. It is always appreciated and was a good reminder of those who have been praying for me across the country and world. When I returned home, it helped to get caught up with a two hour nap.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The Lord said to me, “I chose you before I gave you life, and before you were born I selected you to be a prophet to the nations.” I answered, “Sovereign Lord, I don’t know how to speak; I am too young.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say that you are too young, but go to the people I send you to, and tell them everything I command you to say. Do not be afraid of them, for I will be with you to protect you….” Jeremiah 1:4-8
Jeremiah the prophet was God’s voice and instrument during one of the most challenging times of Judah’s history. He began his ministry during a time of revival by King Josiah, and continued as the nation fell into decline and eventually into captivity.
As I began reading this book, I took note of the “call of Jeremiah.” We often recall God’s call to Moses, Joshua and other leaders God used in a special way. We find some interesting comparisons in God’s call to Jeremiah.
Jeremiah was chosen sovereignly and uniquely by the Lord. God said, “before you were born I selected you…” We often hear the saying, “God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called.” That certainly applies to Jeremiah. God had an intended purpose for Him from the time he was born. He was destined to fulfill God’s purposes for his generation.
Jeremiah was aware of his inadequacies. He responded to the Lord’s call with, “I’m too young.” Perhaps there were others ways that made Jeremiah feel inadequate, but he certainly felt that this is not the time in my life, for this assignment. It is interesting the number of people like, Moses, Gideon, King Solomon and many of of the other prophets felt wholly unqualified for the task they were being called to.
God provides Jeremiah with the encouragement and “training” that he needed. God tells him to “speak His word…don’t be afraid…I will be with you…protect you.” The Lord then asked Jeremiah, “what do you see?” Jeremiah then tells the Lord what he sees and the Lord tells him what he sees, means. (Jeremiah 1:9-16) It seems in this way the Lord is providing Jeremiah his “training in prophecy.”
What can we learn from Jeremiah’s call? We can learn from Jeremiah that the Lord has a plan and purpose for our life. Some He does call to a special and unique role, but all have a part to play in God’s economy. Our inadequacies are not an obstacle to the Lord. He knows us, so when we complain about who we are or what we can’t do, it isn’t a surprise to the Lord! But the Lord is always faithful to provide the encouragement that we need. The greatest encouragement is “I will be with you…”
Jeremiah needed to know and learned that he was just “the messenger.” In our lives when we speak God’s Word, instead of our own ideas or opinions, we are on solid ground. God’s messengers often, “suffer” for the message they speak from the Lord. We can certainly see the sufferings that Jeremiah experienced. He is called the “weeping prophet.” He certainly wept over the rebellion and suffering of God’s people; but had reason to weep over his own experiences. When the Lord promises to “protect” that doesn’t mean he will insulate us from trials or sufferings.
Whether the call seems “great or small, public or behind-the-scenes” we can have the awareness of God using us as His “voice” in our world. We can do so with confidence of His presence and empowering that is needed in our lives.