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. Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”

Devotion based on Jeremiah 1:4-10

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sometimes the thoughts are hard to escape. “I’m not smart enough. I’m not strong enough. I don’t have enough talent. Someone like me will never be good to anyone else.”

Have you ever had thoughts like that? Here’s a secret you might not know yet: Almost everyone has those thoughts. Sometimes your parents do. Your classmates have had those thoughts. Even your pastor does!

Does that surprise you? No matter what anyone else sees when they look at us, we are often pretty good at seeing our own sins and weaknesses. Other people might see someone who seems pretty, or strong, or confident, but we know what we’re really like. At least we think we do.

Jeremiah thought he did, too. When he was only twenty years old (maybe even younger!), God told Jeremiah that he was going to be God’s prophet. It was going to be a hard job. He was going to speak to powerful leaders and warn them about God’s punishment!

Jeremiah could think of a hundred reasons that he wasn’t the right person for the job. He was too young; no one would take him seriously! He wasn’t good at speaking; someone else would do a better job! But God’s answer was wonderful. God knew everything about Jeremiah, even before he was born. He had prepared Jeremiah to be the perfect person for this job. Maybe Jeremiah didn’t know what he was doing, but God did.

And God knows what he’s doing with you, too. Whatever challenges you’re facing, whatever insecurities you have, whatever weaknesses or faults you see in yourself, please know this: God knows you better than you know yourself. He’s prepared you for the life he has in mind for you. He really has! And he’s given you his Word. So don’t be afraid! The God who made you will always be with you!

Dear Savior, when I’m worried about whether or not I’m strong enough or smart enough or talented enough, don’t let me focus on myself or whether I’m good enough. Help me to focus on you and give me your promise that you’ll never leave or fail me. Then, Lord, give me joy in serving you! Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Questions for Middle School and Above