Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold I cannot speak; for I am a child. But the Lord said unto me, Say not, l am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. (Jeremiah 1:6-7)
We often tell young people that they ought to serve God, but then we give them no direction or duty. We ought to do better than that! Most of them already feel overwhelmed because they are lacking in knowledge, ability, experience, and opportunity. The last thing they need is someone putting them on a guilt trip and not offering help. If you are a young person struggling with these things, please understand you are not the first. Jeremiah had the same problem, yet God used him.
Spurgeon said, “Jeremiah was young and felt a natural shrinking when sent upon a great errand by the Lord; but He who sent him would not have him say, “I am a child.” What he was in himself must not be mentioned but lost in the consideration that he was chosen to speak for God. He had not to think out and invent a message nor to choose an audience: he was to speak what God commanded and speak where God sent him, and this he would be enabled to do in strength not his own. Is it not so with some young preacher or teacher who may read these lines? God knows how young you are and how slender are your knowledge and experience; but if He chooses to send you, it is not for you to shrink from the heavenly call. God will magnify Himself in our feebleness. If you were as old as Methuselah, how much would your years help you? If you were as wise as Solomon, you might be equally as willful as he. Keep you to your message, and it will be your wisdom; follow your marching orders, and they will be your discretion.“
Dear young person, although you lack experience, are limited in knowledge, have no official title or office, are not eloquent in speech, cannot work miracles, and are fearful and trembling, you can speak! Forget what you can’t do and focus on what you can do. You can speak—speak up for Jesus. Tell others what He did for you and you will be amazed at how God will use you. If you are willing God will make you able.
