Colin Stephen – Shkoder, Albania:

Recently I was preparing a study for the church on Jeremiah. In Jeremiah chapter one, God calls a young man, Jeremiah, to be His prophet. The reaction of Jeremiah is not an uncommon one in the bible. He questions God’s call. He does not think he is the right person for the job. He thinks he is too young. O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young! (Jer 1:6)

I was reminded of Moses, and his reaction to God’s call. But Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.” (Ex 4:10) Or Saul when he was told he would be anointed king. Saul replied, “But I’m only from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important of all the families of that tribe! Why are you talking like this to me?” (1 Sam 9:21)

Can God really be calling me? Can God really want to use someone as insignificant as me?

If you think you are too young, can’t speak the language, or even that you’re just not very important to God’s plan, then think again. You may be the exact type of person God is looking for.

It was now the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius, the Roman emperor. Pontius Pilate was governor over Judea;
Herod Antipas was ruler over Galilee; his brother Philip was ruler over Iturea and Traconitis; Lysanias was ruler over Abilene. Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests. At this time a message from God came to John son of Zechariah, who was living in the wilderness. (Luke 3:1-2)

Tiberius – Roman Emperor – was probably the most important and most powerful man in the world at that time.
Pontius Pilate – governor over Judea – was probably the most powerful man in Judea at that time. Herod and his brother Philip and Lysanias – were at the heart of Jewish power in Israel (Herod was king of Israel, and although a puppet king for Rome, he still had power). Annas and Caiphas – spiritual leaders of the Jews – were the most important religious leaders of that day in Israel.

And yet…the word of God went to none of them, but instead came to John (the Baptist) in the wilderness. The apostle John says in his gospel, God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. (Jn 1:6-7)

E.M. Bounds in his great little book “Power through prayer” says “The Church is looking for better methods.; God is looking for better men,” (and women, may I add!). God is looking for men and women who are: faithful, serving, loving the Lord and loving others, living holy, Christ-like lives in obedience to His call and who are available. God is looking for men and women like this.

If you think you are too young, and you can’t speak and you are not very important, then you could be exactly the type of people God loves to use. Do not let your excuses stop you. You are in the place that you are for a purpose, and you may just be God’s chosen person for His special plan.

Choose to be obedient – choose to listen to God’s voice.