Then I said, "Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy." (v. 6)
GROW IN FAITH
When God appointed Jeremiah a prophet to the nations, Jeremiah’s response was, "Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy." But God told Jeremiah not to be afraid, and said, "Behold, I have put my words in your mouth." Jeremiah needed a strong faith to be able to surrender to God’s will and let God speak through him. This is a valuable faith lesson for us.
Have you ever prayed and prayed for something to happen? We learn very quickly that God answers prayers in his own time and in his own way. God has a larger vision than we do. He sees and understands things that we don’t, just as a parent sees and understands things that a child can’t. A parent has experience and wisdom to help guide and teach a child. Once the child’s eyes are opened through knowledge and experiences, a whole new world opens up to her.
When my daughter was little, she loved the kiddy rides at the amusement park. Then she grew tall enough to go on the "big" rides. Once she experienced the "big" rides, there was no turning back. From then on, kiddy rides didn’t satisfy her. She only wanted the "big rides. Her new experience changed how she thought and felt.
God accepts us just as we are, but I don’t think that’s all he wants from us. He wants us to learn and grow in our faith. We are encouraged to take a step of faith and follow his lead. At first, we take small steps. Then, as he guides us, we move to bigger steps and bigger experiences.
There are times we may say, "Lord God, I don’t know what to say, I am young in my faith." If we pray and truly open our eyes and ears to what God is telling us, then we will be able to step out in faith. Like Jeremiah, we too will be able to surrender to God’s will and let God work and speak through us. As we learn and grow in faith, we will be better able to serve God. These experiences will open up a whole new world to us.
Dear Heavenly Father, open our eyes and ears to what you would have us do. Teach us your will and help us to grow in faith, so we may live to your glory!
Rhonda Larma
