Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. (Jeremiah 1:4–6, KJV)
I Can’t
As my chronological Bible reading took me to the Book of Jeremiah, I was reminded of another person who said to God, “I can’t.” Did not Moses say “I can’t” when God told him to stand before Pharaoh and to lead His people out of Egypt? In fact, Moses said, “I can’t,” so many times that God became angry with him (Exodus 3-4)! As I read this, a couple of thoughts came to mind.
Great Limitations
First, Moses and Jeremiah were honest in their assessments when they said they couldn’t. Alone and in our flesh, yes—we can’t! Apart from God, we would fail miserably! This reminds me of what Jesus said in the Book of John.
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:5, KJV)
I was reminded that God knows we can’t, but He calls us anyway!
The Deciding Factor
Second, when have limitations been the deciding factor? God knew that Moses and Jeremiah “couldn’t” before He ever spoke to them. If God is speaking to us and calling us beyond our many limitations, it is not so that we can inform Him of His mistake; it is for us to trust and obey Him.
But without faith it is impossible to please him…(Hebrews 11:6, KJV)
True Success
Is it not amazing that can’t dies to can through faith and obedience? There is no need to scare ourselves with our limitations nor remind God of something He already knows better than we do. There is no need to let the impossible be the deciding factor when faith and obedience make what God is asking possible through His strength!
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Jeremiah 1-3.