At the library, I noticed an elderly woman browsing in the large-print book section. She shuffled down the aisles with a walker, stopping frequently to drop a book into her bulging tote bag. Despite less-than- perfect eyesight, limited mobility, and failing strength, she was hauling home a hoard of books! Any one of her limitations would have been an ample excuse for staying home.
Jeremiah had what sounded like a solid excuse when God called him to be a prophet. He tried to back out by saying, “I’m too young!” (Jeremiah 1:6). But God responded, “Don’t say ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you” (Jeremiah 1:7). Like Jeremiah, some of us try to excuse ourselves from Christian service because of our relative inexperience. God cares more about our obedience, however, than our experience level.
He anticipated Jeremiah’s next possible excuse by advising, “Don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you” (Jeremiah 1:8). God’s presence and protection are more significant than the people problems we may encounter in His service. Paul expressed it like this: “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” (Romans 8:31).
While it’s true that our excuses are unacceptable with our heavenly Father, He doesn’t just demand obedience, promise protection, and leave it at that. In Jeremiah’s case, the Lord reached out and touched his mouth, saying “Look, I have put My words in your mouth!” (Jeremiah 1:9). Later, God told Jeremiah, “Today I have made you strong” (Jeremiah 1:18).
When we surrender our hesitant hearts, God often gives us a glimpse of His enabling power. His supernatural support helps us to step forward and serve Him . . . without excuses!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 4:23-37
More:
Read Ecclesiastes 12:6-7 to see why it’s important to begin serving God in your younger years. Read Exodus 4:10-17 to see the banter between God and Moses over Moses’ excuses.
Next:
Do you view Christian service as a duty or a privilege? What’s holding you back from serving God?
daisymarygoldr on October 12, 2011 at 4:52 pm
When God chooses us to serve Him He seldom takes into account our age, qualifications, past experiences or natural abilities. This is how He is receives all the credit and glory for the work He does through us.
We make excuses mainly because the message we are led to speak is so negative and unpleasant to the ears that—in the end it leaves us with more enemies than friends. And you are right; our excuses are unacceptable to Him.
As the oxen are yoked in order to submit to their owner’s will and to work under his control, the Lord requires nothing but absolute obedience from us. Once the hand is placed on the plow, there is no turning back.
It is certainly comforting to be reminded of God’s promised protection, presence, and power to help us do what He has called us to do.
jennifer benson schuldt on October 12, 2011 at 10:00 pm
Thanks for your comment daisymarigoldr. The prophets certainly had their share of unpleasant message to share with people in the Old Testament. However, I find that I sometimes hesitate–even when I have a good message to share with people. It’s so encouraging to read the story of Moses and see how God handled his fear. God reminded Moses of His presence, and even allowed Aaron to accompany Moses as he approached Pharaoh. When God asks us to do hard things on His behalf, He doesn’t leave us out on a limb!
conmeo on October 12, 2011 at 11:38 pm
Wow and a Big Amen. Thank you and pray for me and all of us wandering in the wilderness being carried by our Lord!
jennifer benson schuldt on October 14, 2011 at 3:12 pm
Conmeo – You are welcome. I prayed for you today, along with all the rest of us who are leaning on God for help serving Him. Last night when I was reading a devotional to my daughter (for very small kids), the verse of the day was about God’s strength being made perfect in our weakness. As one of those “weak” ones, I’m so thankful for that promise. Blessings to you today.
cshack1964 on October 13, 2011 at 6:48 am
Reading this made me truly pause…I’ve now been utilizing a walker for the past 1 1/2 years (47 yrs old) and I have found myself often wondering about how I am supposed to do with the limitations that I have….I know that God is truly with me, but sometimes it does feel that I am burdening others with some of my needs. I’ve slowed down much from what I used to do, but this word came at a time when it was truly needed…A former Sunday School Teacher
jennifer benson schuldt on October 13, 2011 at 8:35 pm
Dear cshack1964,
Thanks for taking the time to post a comment.
It sounds like you are sensitive to others and don’t want to ask too much of them. Well, just as you have some legitimate needs, the Christians around you have a “need” to show love (in action) to you. The Bible encourages Christians to “bear each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) and demonstrate Christian love (1 John 3:18). (My pastor likes to use this principle in regard to giving and finances–some people have financial needs while others have a “need” to give.)
I pray that God will give you strength to serve Him in whatever role He has for you. He can use us when our hearts are willing!
tomdipasquale on May 3, 2012 at 10:48 pm
Your words are powerful, inspirational and wonderful. Thank you. I often find fear and hesitation in my work. This passage provided me with some new perspective. Thanks. Td