written by: Carissa Waggoner

When we are called, we are called not because of who we are but because of who God is. I am certian that Jeremiah, the day before God called him, had plans of his own for his life. Then God Called him to something different and bolder.
Fear overwhelmed Jeremiah because of his insecurities. He didn’t feel worthy; he believed he was too young and lacked the right words, wisdom, and understanding of when and to whom he should say them.
Jeremiah questioned God’s choice of him and God continued to explain.
Jeremiah 1:4-8
4 The word of the Lord came to me, saying,
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
6 “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”
7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.
God formed each of us in the womb to fulfill His purpose and plan for our lives. We are not here by accident or coincidence; He has called each of us to a specific mission. This calling may be a significant, one-time event, or it might be a lifelong journey of living out and sharing God’s word with our friends and community. The Great Commission, where Jesus sent the disciples into the world to proclaim the gospel to all nations, is a calling not just for the twelve disciples but for all who follow Jesus. A disciple is simply a follower of Christ, and at the very least, we are all called to be that.
I understand the insecurities we may face, such as fear of rejection, ridicule, or persecution in various forms. We may also fear not being worthy enough. Jesus recognized these fears when he sent his disciples out.
Matthew 10:34-39
34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn
“‘a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’
37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.
When my children were younger, I would tell them that they should love Jesus more than they loved me. I realized that my children were only loaned to me for a short time; they have always belonged to the Lord. They are His. One day, they would have to stand against evil on their own and choose whom they would serve. By the grace of God, I may have raised my sons, but it is not I who saves them. They, too, were created in my womb with a purpose, a plan, and a calling from God. It is not my place to choose that plan for their lives.
When we are called, we are strengthened. God provides us with confidence and an inner strength that often feels unfamiliar to us. This is because it is not our own strength, but rather the strength of the Holy Spirit that empowers us.
Zechariah 4:6
6 So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.
Ephesians 3:16
16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
In today’s world there will be people who are against us. God has called each of us to stand firm. If we emerse ourselves with the word of God we will be quick to have an answer.
When God calls you for a time like this, be bold and stand firm. Do not let others or their opinions frighten you. God will make you like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall to stand strong against any challenges.
Jeremiah 1:18-19
18 Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. 19 They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.
As God works in us to equip us, we must believe not only in His existence but also in the truth of His Word. We are called to take a steadfast stance for the glory of God and to become what He has always intended us to be, whether that is as a prophet or a warrior. We are children of the Most High King. Embrace your calling with seriousness—own it, walk in it, and live it all for the glory of God.
God is with you, forging you on, and by His Spirit, empowering you in every step and against every obstacle, holding your cause up like the noon-day sun.
The King, Christ Jesus, laid down His life for you. Now, you are called to lay down your life for Him and proclaim His goodness and mercy to all who call on Him when He calls on you.
Payer:
Heavenly Father we come to you acknowledging your plan and calling for our lives for being more than we could have planned for ourselves. Your ways are better than our ways. We thank you for creating us for you, to be able to serve a great King. We thank you for giving us a purpose and a future. We ask for the strength of your Spirit to strengthen us in our souls, our inner most being. Equip us with wisdom as we dive deeper into your Word. May we live a life worthy of the calling you have for us. May in all things we bring you glory. We know that you are with us and that you have already overcome the world. May we stand firm against all that stand against you. May others have open hearts to hear of the goodness and mercy of your love, and come to a surrender onto you, Lord. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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