Devotional: Don’t Say That

One of my favorite passages in the Bible happens in Jeremiah chapter one, which shows us exactly how God interacts one-on-one with someone who is doubting their abilities. It’s absolutely beautiful! In this chapter, God speaks to Jeremiah about the calling on his life. At the time, Judah was an absolute mess and God wanted Jeremiah to urge the people to turn from sin and go back to God.

So one day the Lord says to Jeremiah, “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman for the world.”

“O Sovereign Lord,” Jeremiah says, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”

“Don’t say that,” the Lord replied, “for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t afraid of the people, for I will be with you and take care of you. I, the Lord have spoken!” Jeremiah 1:4-7

After a little more discussion on the specifics of what Jeremiah needs to do, God goes on to assure Jeremiah that he IS capable of this task ahead.

God says:

get up and get dressed
go out and tell them what I say
do not be afraid of them
I have made you immune to their attacks
you are strong, like a fortified city that cannot be captured
you are strong, like an iron pillar or bronze wall
no one can stand against you, they will fail
I am with you
I will take care of you

Jeremiah 1:17-19

Talk about a life changing pep-talk from God! Here we have Jeremiah, who hears this calling from God and immediately doubts himself. His knee-jerk reaction is to say, “oh no, God, I can’t do that. Not me.” He doubts his abilities and we can see he has no confidence. He openly tells God the truth of how he feels by saying “I can’t do that!” Then God, as a compassionate and loving Father, literally says, “Don’t say that!”

Don’t. Say. That.

Then, the beautiful part happens. God goes on to give Jeremiah words of power and truth to replace his fears. It’s like God is saying, “Jeremiah, can’t you see how brilliant you are? Can’t you see how strong you are? I am with you always. I will take care of you, nothing can stop you. Let’s go do this.”

I believe God is saying the exact same thing to us. I don’t know about you, but I tend to have a hard time believing in myself just like Jeremiah. I doubt myself way more than I should and I often struggle to see my own strength. But here we have proof that God does not want us to live that way. Instead, He wants us to see ourselves through His eyes. He formed each one of us in our mother’s womb. He knows your name and mine. He sees all your value and worth and He knows what you are capable of in this life. He wants you to live up to your full potential–always remembering how strong you are, because He is with you!

Dear Lord, I pray these words you spoke to Jeremiah would fill our own hearts and minds with confidence. I pray through the power of the Holy Spirit that you would remind us daily of your words, “don’t say that” whenever we doubt our abilities and strength. Help us to see ourselves the way you see us–powerful, brilliant, and capable. I pray that you renew our thoughts so they would be a mirror for your truth and your love. Thank you for this passage in Jeremiah. And thank you for being such a loving Father. I pray each one of us would store your truth deep in our hearts. Amen.