When God Calls You — The Story of Jeremiah’s Beginning (Jeremiah 1:1-9)
Have you ever felt unsure about yourself? Maybe you’ve thought, “I’m too young,” or “I’m not good enough,” to do something important. If so, you’re not alone. A young man named Jeremiah felt the same way when God called him to a big mission.
Let’s look at how it all started in Jeremiah 1:1–9.
God Speaks to a Young Man
Jeremiah lived during a difficult time in the land of Judah. People had turned away from God, and trouble was coming. God chose Jeremiah to be a prophet—someone who speaks God’s message to the people.
But Jeremiah didn’t feel ready. In fact, when God first called him, Jeremiah said:
“I don’t know how to speak. I’m too young!” (Jeremiah 1:6)
Can you relate? Maybe you’ve felt too young, too shy, too inexperienced, or just plain unsure. But God saw something in Jeremiah—and He sees something in you too.
God’s Encouraging Words
God didn’t let Jeremiah’s fear stop the plan. He spoke kindly and firmly:
“Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.” (Jeremiah 1:7)
God was saying, “You’re not too young for Me. I will help you.”
Then He added something even more comforting:
“Do not be afraid… for I am with you and will rescue you.” (Jeremiah 1:8)
God wasn’t just giving Jeremiah a job—He was giving him His presence and His protection. Jeremiah wouldn’t be alone.
Touched by God
Then something powerful happened. God reached out His hand and touched Jeremiah’s mouth. He said:
“I have put my words in your mouth.” (Jeremiah 1:9)
This was God’s way of saying, “I will give you the right words to say. You don’t have to figure it out on your own.”
It was the beginning of Jeremiah’s journey—a hard one, but also a meaningful one. He would go on to speak truth to kings, priests, and entire nations.
What This Means for Us
Jeremiah’s story has a lot to teach us, even today:
- God knows you deeply. Before you were born, God already had a purpose for you—just like Jeremiah (see Jeremiah 1:5).
- God isn’t limited by age or ability. You don’t have to be the smartest or the most experienced. If God calls you, He’ll equip you.
- God is with you. Whatever He calls you to do, He promises to be right there beside you.
- God will give you the words. If you’re willing to speak truth, He’ll help you speak it in love and courage.
Final Thoughts
Jeremiah’s journey started with fear, but it grew into faith. You might feel unsure of yourself today, but that doesn’t mean God can’t use you. In fact, those are often the very people God chooses—so that we rely on His strength, not our own.
So next time you feel like saying, “I’m not enough,” remember God’s words to Jeremiah:
“Do not be afraid… I am with you.”
That promise still stands—for you.
Jeremiah 1:1-9 (WEB)
1:1 The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, one of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin. 2 The LORD’s word came to him in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. 3 It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, to the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, to the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month. 4 Now the LORD’s word came to me, saying,5 “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.Before you were born, I sanctified you.I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.”6 Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I don’t know how to speak; for I am a child.”7 But the LORD said to me, “Don’t say, ‘I am a child;’ for you must go to whomever I send you, and you must say whatever I command you. 8 Don’t be afraid because of them, for I am with you to rescue you,” says the LORD.9 Then the LORD stretched out his hand and touched my mouth. Then the LORD said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.