Remember that the prophet Jeremiah was called to do the impossible (see post Called to Do The Impossible). At least it was impossible for him. When God appeared to him saying that He had called him to be a prophet to the nations, Jeremiah’s response was:

“Ah, Sovereign LORD I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.” (Jeremiah 1:6)

History reveals that he was probably quite young, but here he was focusing on his inadequacy more than on his age. His age was an excuse. He was simply saying “What? It’s too big for me, I can’t do that”.

I remember being called into my boss’s office after I had submitted my resignation in the Education Board of New Zealand. I was getting ready to go out to the mission field. My boss was genuinely interested in what I was about to do and asked me what sort of duties my missionary work would include.

When I mentioned public speaking, he looked at me incredulously and said “YOU?”

Yes, I went on to speak at many conferences, churches of over 1000 as well as organize my own conferences and seminars. Nothing is impossible for God!

When God Calls How Do You Respond?
Jeremiah had missed the point completely. When God calls, the point is not whether you are ABLE to do what God asks. The real point is: are you WILLING.

Take a look at verses 7-9 of Jeremiah Chapter 1:
Verse 7 But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.

Verse 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD.

9 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now, I have put my words in your mouth.

What is God REALLY looking for?
It is clear from God’s response to Jeremiah’s doubts, that all God is looking for is a willing heart, not an able heart.

God gives the ability just as soon as He sees the willingness.

• God did not ask Jeremiah if he COULD carry out the task.
• God asked Jeremiah if he WOULD do it.

Again, when God Calls How Do You Respond?

• Do you respond with excuses when you sense God asking you to do something that seems too hard?
• Do you think that you the right person for the job? That does not matter – God thinks you are.
• Do you feel able to do the job? That does not matter either – God will empower you!

As one of those famous old hymns declares:

Trust and obey.

This is all that God is looking for – faith and obedience. Maybe your calling is too big for you. But nothing is too big for God

Trust and obey – I know you can do that, right?

This is No #2 of the Series “Why Did God Call Jeremiah?”