NOT TOO YOUNG
- DAY 325
- FEAR FILE: JEREMIAH
- SCRIPTURES: JEREMIAH 1:4-8
Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” 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.
In our text today God is calling Jeremiah into his purpose but there is a problem, he is young. God is asking him to go prophecy to nations, but Jeremiah is wondering how God will choose him when he is just “a small boy.” As a Nigerian, I understand him. In this country you cannot tell your elders anything, they are the wisest. Chances are if you are leading people older than you, it will be tough to correct them, give work-related advice, or assign them tasks. You will hear things like, “I am not your mate, mind how you talk to me.”
I am not against the culture of respect but we must admit that it has its ups and downs and that’s why most people hide their real age in this nation, to avoid premium disrespect.
Jeremiah felt that his age was a limitation. He believed that there is an age you must attain before you can address nations. And God was not having it. “Don’t say you’re young if I have equipped you.” Saith the Lord to Jeremiah and you. There might be people there who will look done on you or make you feel intimidated but do not pay attention to them, do not be afraid of them because I AM with you.
Beloved, God has equipped you so you’re not too young for the job. Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings, He has ordained strength. So God can choose somebody very young and put such an immense spirit, power, and grace upon that person’s life, that even the aged cannot match his wisdom. John the Baptist was already filled with the Holy Ghost from the womb and started his ministry by leaping for joy at the arrival of Mary.
Do not be afraid to take up an assignment because you feel you’re the youngest person in the room. Do your homework, be qualified, and go there courageously, knowing that you carry something. Whoever doesn’t respect you, that’s their problem. You just do what God said. Do not say you are young if God has equipped you, He knows what He’s doing.
Shalom.
