Jeremiah 1:18-19

“For behold, I have made you this day A fortified city and an iron pillar, And bronze walls against the whole land—Against the kings of Judah, Against its princes, Against its priests, And against the people of the land. They will fight against you, But they shall not prevail against you. For I am with you,” says the LORD, “to deliver you.”
Jeremiah 1:18-19

In the opening chapter of Jeremiah, God calls Jeremiah to the ministry. Verse 5 famously proclaims that God ordained Jeremiah before he was formed in the womb. In response to God’s call, Jeremiah claims that he does not have the ability to speak for God (Jeremiah 1:6), but God responds by commanding Jeremiah not to be afraid and then enables Jeremiah for the calling (Jeremiah 1:8-9). In this chapter, we find a picture of God’s calling upon the life of a believer through these three elements: ordination, enabling, and protection.

God has a calling for each of us, and nothing will stand against that calling since God has ordained it. He not only enables us (Philippians 2:13), but He guards and protects us, as is so beautifully pictured in today’s verses. Have you been hesitant to step out in response to God’s calling on your life because you feel unequipped or fearful? Take heart in the story of Jeremiah’s calling.

When you respond to God’s call to service, nothing is going to stand against the plans He has for you.

Pastor Jeff Mericle