PREPARE - A Student Reading Plan Exploring Your CallSample

Jeremiah

When Jeremiah was called by God, he felt unqualified. Jeremiah was focused on his own problems instead of God's promise.

God called Jeremiah to take a step out of his comfort zone—to become a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah felt he was not prepared for his calling because he was too young and wasn't confident in his speaking ability. God assured Jeremiah to not fear because his words would come from God.

Like the other prophets, Jeremiah’s job was far from easy. God wanted Jeremiah to warn Israel about coming judgement. Jeremiah quickly became maybe the most unpopular person in Israel. He was made fun of, arrested for “illegal” preaching, ignored, and had his hard work destroyed. 

The people loved how they were living and didn’t want to change.

Jeremiah quickly learned full-time ministry isn’t easy. It’s still hard today.

• People won’t like what you say. 
• Your friends might think you’re crazy. 
• Your parents might argue with you to get a “real” job.

The call to full-time ministry isn’t easy, but we learn from Jeremiah that God never sends us alone. God goes with us every step of the way.

Let God’s words to Jeremiah speak to you about your calling, “Do not be afraid for I am with you.”

Questions

1. How do you relate to Jeremiah’s calling? 
2. Where do you feel unprepared for your calling?
3. What makes it difficult for you to say yes to God?
4. God promises to equip us for our difficult work. What help do you need from God for your calling?

Prayer

Father, thank You for Your presence. Please guide me through Your work. Give me a willing heart to say yes to You. I want to follow You anywhere, but I need your help to commit to that every day. Amen.