What’s Your Backstory?
Whenever I read a book, watch a movie or even watch the news I’m always interested in the back story to what I’m reading or viewing. Sometimes if I know the back story it makes everything so much more interesting. So as I read through the first chapter of Jeremiah I began to wonder, was there a back story to this message that God gave Jeremiah?
I came to the conclusion that Jeremiah had come to the point in his life where he had begin to question his very existence. He had probably had a few one sided conversations with God along the lines many of us are familiar with. It probably went something like this.
“Lord it seems like everyone out there has a purpose in life except me, my friends all seem to have it all together. They know what they want to do with their lives and I haven’t a clue. Lord what is my purpose? What is the reason for which I am here? Lord, what is my destiny?”
Jeremiah probably wanted to hear something that would motivate and inspire him. He probably wanted to hear something exciting like,
“Oh Jeremiah don’t you worry all of your dreams are going to come true. You will be successful in everything you do. Jeremiah your future looks bright!”
Who knows that God does not always tell us what we want to hear?
4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying,
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:4-5
God heard Jeremiah’s heart cry and he answered him. God told Jeremiah that he had a plan for him before he was even born. This never fails to humble me. Like Jeremiah we are not here by accident. We may sometimes feel as if life is purposeless however God has a destiny created for each of us. The plan was designed and set in motion before we were even conceived.
6“Ah, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.” Jer 1:6
Strange isn’t it, we go to God with questions. He gives us answers and then we begin to find excuses. Jeremiah’s excuse was I cannot speak for I am a child. Uhmmm, how did God miss that? However God is not interested in our excuses. When God gives us a task he expects us to do our personal best to complete it. Once we do our best God is satisfied and he will do the rest.
7 But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’
You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.
8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,”
declares the LORD. Jeremiah 1:7
God doesn’t ask us to do anything that we cannot accomplish with Him by our side. He was with Jeremiah and He is with us. We don’t have to be afraid or intimidated by those who seem to have it all together. God has given us all of the tools necessary to fulfill our destiny.
I also love knowing the “back story” for people and situations. Through this, one can see how God works through situations over time. These words are so encouraging. “God doesn’t ask us to do anything that we cannot accomplish with Him by our side.” Thank you.
Powerful words for someone who has it not all together, like me. Thank you for your encouragement, Bernadine.