“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
You’re heard this verse a million times, I’m sure. But we usually focus on just the first part, usually during our Sanctity of Human Life services. But tonight, I embrace it on a slightly different level. God had a plan for Jeremiah before he was even formed in the womb. Craziness! So many times we say cliche things like, “Don’t let life happen to you; make it what you want.” and so forth. But what if we believed, truly believed, God had words for each of us in our lives?
Even Jeremiah doubted, saying, “Ah, Sovereign Lord, I do not know how to speak; I am only a child!”
But God says, “‘Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you.’ Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, ‘Now I have put my words in your mouth…'”
I love that Jeremiah admitted he was fearful. Sometimes it’s tough to step out and embrace God’s words for our lives. But God said, do not be afraid of them! I’ve got your back! Remember, I’ve got this plan…this plan set in motion since the beginning of the world, and I know YOUR place in it.
I believe God has, at least in some small way, touched my mouth and said, “Here are my words for you to share, Natalie.” And they are words about my faith in Him, and my love for faith-based fashion, and how the two combine to give glory & testimony to God.
God has given you words, too. Listen to what God has put on YOUR heart. Follow His plan for YOU.
We live in such a busy world. It’s tough for us to even sort out our own thoughts, to keep our own words in check as we type & text & tweet. Help us to meditate upon Your Holy Word, and Your words for us. Speak to the deepest part of us, Lord. Help us to “get” what You’re putting on our hearts. Help us to have the courage to act on it. Calm our fears, like you calmed Jeremiah’s. Let our words reflect YOUR words, and may our lives be worthy of Your death on a cross. You have set us free, not to be slaves any longer, but to run in the path of your commands.
“‘Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.’
But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.'”
Jeremiah 6:25
Don’t be the one who says, “I will not walk in it.”
Walk, walk with our God, who has your back, who knows the plans He has for you.
Speak His words.
I'm in the process of creating a canvas with Jeremiah 1:5 on it for the baby's room 🙂 Great verse!