Jeremiah, like many others God called, thought himself an unlikely candidate for God’s work. He was young, maybe younger than King Josiah (who was only 21 when God called Jeremiah to prophesy). He said he did not know how to speak. God could see what Jeremiah couldn’t. God called him a “fortified city,” an “iron pillar,” and said, “Do not be afraid of them.”

• God told Jeremiah he was born to be a prophet (verse 5), and promised to be with him (verses 8 and 18). Though God at times works through our weaknesses, most often he uses our strengths. What are you good at? What do you find joy in doing? How can you let God to shape who you are and what you do to spread the message of God’s love?

• Jeremiah thought he couldn’t possibly be God’s prophet. He wasn’t alone. Moses had a speech impediment. Rahab, who helped the Israelites defeat Jericho, was a prostitute. Mary, Jesus mother, was a young peasant girl. What flaws in yourself do you think disqualify you for God’s service? Ask God to show you who you are in his sight.