Called from the Start: Jeremiah’s Beginning (Jeremiah 1:1–9)
Have you ever felt too young, too unsure, or too unqualified to do something important? You’re not alone. The prophet Jeremiah felt the same way when God called him to speak to the people of his nation. But what happened next shows us something powerful: when God calls us, He also helps us.
Let’s take a closer look at how Jeremiah’s journey began—and what it can teach us about our own lives.
God Had a Plan Before Jeremiah Was Born
In the opening verses of Jeremiah 1, we learn that Jeremiah lived during a difficult time in the land of Judah. Then God speaks to him and says something amazing:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)
God tells Jeremiah that He knew him before he was even born. He had already chosen him for a special purpose—to speak God’s words to the people. This shows us that God has a plan for each of us, even before we know it ourselves.
Jeremiah Feels Unqualified
Jeremiah doesn’t jump up and say, “Great! I’m ready!” Instead, he hesitates:
“Alas, Sovereign Lord… I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” (v. 6)
He feels too young and inexperienced for such a big task. Maybe you’ve felt the same way—like you’re not ready or not good enough. But God doesn’t let Jeremiah’s fear stop the mission.
God Encourages Him
God responds with kindness and strength:
“Do not say, ‘I am too young.’
You must go to everyone I send you to…
Do not be afraid… for I am with you.” (v. 7–8)
God tells Jeremiah not to focus on his age or fears. What matters most is that God will be with him. Jeremiah won’t have to do this alone.
God Gives Him the Words to Speak
Then something powerful happens:
“The Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me,
‘I have put my words in your mouth.’” (v. 9)
God doesn’t just give Jeremiah a job—He gives him the ability to do it. Jeremiah won’t have to come up with the right words on his own. God equips him with everything he needs.
What We Can Learn from Jeremiah
Jeremiah’s story might feel ancient, but it has a message for us today:
- God knows you personally, and He has a purpose for your life.
- You don’t need to have it all together to say yes to God.
- Fear and uncertainty are normal, but they don’t have to hold you back.
- God will be with you every step of the way—and He will give you what you need.
Final Thoughts
Jeremiah’s calling reminds us that God uses ordinary people for extraordinary things. You may not feel ready. You may feel young, nervous, or unsure. But if God calls you to something, He will go with you and give you what you need.
So ask yourself today:
Is God calling me to something—and am I willing to say yes?
You don’t have to be perfect to be used by God. You just have to be willing.
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.