EXCUSES TO LIFE’S VISION (3)

“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” – Jeremiah 1: 6-7a

There are pertinent lessons to learn from Jeremiah about not making EXCUSES to LIFE’S VISION: “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” (Jer.1: 6-7). When Jeremiah was called as a prophet, the reluctant young man had every excuse ready, typical of our excuses for not heeding God’s Voice or obeying His heavenly Vision when He calls. We often have varied reasons to delay, deny, or even avoid it: Too young; too old; too poor; unskilled; no talent; no time; no money!

Human beings are skillful at the art of making excuses! So often it seems that when God calls for particular tasks, we become acutely aware of our inabilities. Many times, we try to excuse ourselves because of the recognition of our own inability. But in reality, God isn’t looking for highly talented people. He’s just looking for willing people. We should rather trust in Him and go forth in the Power of His Spirit than trust in our abilities or our genius (Zech.4:6). The very consciousness of our inadequacy is the very thing that qualifies us for what God wants to do! 

We find Jeremiah making excuses, just as we too often do, when God calls: “Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth” (v.6). Jeremiah felt unable and inadequate for the divine assignment. But God knew what He had created Jeremiah to be, and what he was capable of doing. The Lord promptly and sharply rebuked him for his excuses, and had promises to counter the excuses: “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” (v.7). God was saying: “Don’t use your youth as an excuse; you can and will go wherever I send you. You can and will say whatever I tell you to say.”

God would not and did not accept Jeremiah’s youth and inexperience as an excuse! His expectations were: Obedience and Trust. God would take care of the rest. Though Jeremiah’s protest was true, it was irrelevant – and God did not want to hear it, nor did He want Jeremiah to say it. God insists on His right to call whoever He wills – even young people – and to equip and use them if they will listen to His call and answer it. We’re God’s Workmanship created in Christ Jesus to accomplish His good works (Eph.2:10). He gives us everything we need in order to please Him (2Pet.1:3). We can all things through Him Who strengthens us (Phi.4:13). God will equip us beyond excuses!