Do You Believe God Has a Plan for You?

August 23, 2022

By Brooke Holt

“Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.’ But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, “I am only a youth”; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.’” Jeremiah 1:6-8

What you believe about God will shape everything about your life, from your views of creation to your reason for living, and eventually to your beliefs about dying. Do you believe God has a plan for this world? Do you believe God has a specially designed plan for you? Do you believe God is in control and cares about every detail of your life?

Early in his life, Jeremiah had to wrestle with these same questions about God. Certainly, he must have wondered if God was talking to the right person. Remember the previous words of this conversation: “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” (Jeremiah 1:5). Biblical scholars believe this word came to Jeremiah when he was just a boy. Yet, in his youth, God spoke these powerful words that indicated God would use Jeremiah in a powerful way.

God’s assignment seemed a bit too much for this young boy. Immediately after hearing the Lord’s voice, Jeremiah responded with the words above. He was too young; he didn’t know how to speak the word of the Lord, especially not to adults. You can imagine the fear and trepidation Jeremiah must have felt at this time.

The Lord knew Jeremiah and fully understood his fear, trepidation, and resistance. However, the Lord also knew Jeremiah was created by him with this purpose. The Lord reprimanded Jeremiah and reminded him that he was not to speak his own words; those would be meaningless to the people. Instead, Jeremiah was to speak the words of the Lord. God would put his words into Jeremiah’s mouth just as God would lead him to where he should go and to whom he should speak. This calling of Jeremiah was not about his ability or wisdom but his obedience to the Lord’s commands.

Knowing God was with him, would provide what he needed, and guide him in his steps and words made the way for Jeremiah to serve as a great prophet. Even in his youth, Jeremiah embraced these truths about God and aligned his life and ministry to these truths. Jeremiah recognized it was not about him but the Lord working through him. Through this recognition and faith, Jeremiah was empowered for a mighty task.

Reflection:

Could this be said about you? Do you believe God is with you, and he will provide what you need to fulfill the calling he has on your life? Do you believe God will guide you in all things, and are you aligning your life to his work and truth? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

Why is trust so difficult? Unlike all the broken promises of this world, God’s redeeming promises are absolute, trustworthy, and true. The covenants of God afford us with abundant reasons to trust God with his plan for our lives. Trusting God: Redeeming Promises of the Word small group Bible study explores the six major redeeming promises of God found in his Word. Learn more about God’s commitment to his people, the nature of a covenant, and how you can find your security in being a child of God’s redeeming promises. Learn more about God’s promises today.