January 5

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you…”

             The Word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” 

            “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” 

            But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.  Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              ^{Jeremiah 1:4-8}

The call of God came to Jeremiah and it was overwhelming.  He was called to be a prophet to the nations, sent to speak the words of God to the rebellious peoples of the world.  Jeremiah was understandably nervous.  Prophets did not have a long life span to begin with; those rebellious people to whom they were sent tended to react negatively to the words they heard.  In addition, Jeremiah was just a young man…little more than a boy.  How would he be able to fulfill his mission when no one would respect his voice because of his age?

God’s answer is emphatic: You can do this because I am with you.  Everything that Jeremiah needed would be available to him because the Giver of All Good Gifts had been equipping him since before he was born.

Whatever God calls us into, God also equips us for.  That is good news for our children, but today I want to focus on how that is good news for those of us who care for them.  Being the parent, sibling or grandparent of our kids is often overwhelming.  As if navigating medications, treatments and physical limitations were not enough there is also the constant struggle with insurance, school districts, social services and well-meaning friends and family.  There is the constant worry.  Were the events of yesterday too traumatic? Is today the day that it all falls apart?  Who will take care of them tomorrow?  It is too much to deal with on your own but there is often no one else that you trust to handle all of the details that must be managed. 

Before God formed you in your mother’s womb, He knew.  He knew about the special child who would come into your life.  He knew what the demands on you would be.  He knew and has been equipping you for your entire life to prepare you to be a steward of this amazing treasure.  There have been experiences in your past that have built your character, opened your mind and prepared your heart to not only survive your life, but to thrive.  Do not fear for the Giver of All Good Gifts is with you and eager to give you everything that you need to complete the task that He has called you to.  Receive the help that is offered.  Look for ways that God is using your community to meet your needs.  Spend a few minutes alone with Him to be filled up each day.  He knew about today long before you arrived here.  Build on the foundation that He has laid for you.

A moment to reflect:

“Sovereign Foundations” is a term used to express the relationships, events and experiences that God placed in your past to prepare you for the challenges of today.  What Sovereign Foundation has God used to prepare you for your present?

Refrigerator Art of the Day

D age 7-15