Listen

“Ah, Lord God,” I said, “I don’t know how to speak because I’m only a child.”

The Lord responded, “Don’t say, ‘I’m only a child.’ Where I send you, you must go; what I tell you, you must say. Don’t be afraid of them, because I’m with you to rescue you,” declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 1:6-8

Think

When we think of how David struck down Goliath with a single stone, or how Mary miraculously conceived and raised the Christ-child, we might be tempted to think of those in scripture as superheroes rather than humans. However, these biblical characters were indeed human, just like you and me. They had faults and flaws, and they doubted their own ability, as we do at times. Because of his youth, Jeremiah felt inadequate and was concerned his age might preclude him from serving and serving well.

Like Jeremiah, there are times when I feel inadequate for the calling the Lord has on my life. There are times when I doubt, when I fear, and when I question whether the Lord can use someone as simple as a girl from Texas to make a difference. And then I remember the promise the Lord gave to Jeremiah and to David and to Mary, one that ensures we do not take up the task alone: The Lord goes with us and provides that which we need to serve and serve well.

Niki Hays

Pray

Lord, as you calmed the waters of the storm, calm my doubts, my fears, and my feelings of inadequacy.

I am weak, but you are strong.

Help me to find peace and live in the knowledge that you are my source of strength and power.

Amen.

Go

Take my will and make it thine
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is thy own;
it shall be thy royal throne,
it shall be thy royal throne.

Frances R. Havergal in “Take My Life, And Let It Be” (1874)

Surrender.

Give over to God your whole heart.

Live in the fullness of God’s grace this day.