Living in the Spirit
August 15, 2016

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 1:4-10

Now the word of the Lord came to me saying,
‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’
Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy.’ But the Lord said to me,
‘Do not say, “I am only a boy”;
for you shall go to all to whom I send you,
and you shall speak whatever I command you. –Jeremiah 1:4-7

“I am retired. The younger generation needs to take over.” “I must make a living. I’ll do that when I am retired.” “We raise children. We don’t have time for anything else.” Jeremiah said, “I am only a boy” when called to serve in the Kingdom of God and God did not accept his excuse. My mother set the example of answering God’s call in every aspect of her life. As children, she incorporated us in her service, and it became our service. Even as a 95+-year-old in a nursing home, she had an active prayer ministry. The success of the kingdom of God depends on each and every one of us doing our part. No one retires from this calling.

Jeremiah faced serious discord and challenges in his response to God’s call. Written off because of his age, he had to work harder than some just to get people’s attention. When caught in such circumstances, one must have confidence in the call as well as the message and that demands a deep and abiding relationship with God. It also requires that we learn from mistakes we make and rectify any to the best of our ability. We may have to seek other ways of being active in our ministry, gain new skills, or refocus on new endeavors. Quitting is not an option.

Prayer: Lord, walk with me throughout my ministry. When I falter, lead me forward. When I need encouragement, send a messenger with a word of hope. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized 
Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council 
of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights 
reserved.