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Set Apart

“’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 prophet to the nations.’ ‘O Sovereign Lord,’ I said, ‘I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!’ The Lord replied, ‘Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ ‘for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you…’”¹

Jeremiah was chosen by God at a young age to do difficult things. The Lord had forbidden him to marry and have children at that time. This may have led to additional loneliness, but it was also a blessing as he did not have to see his family suffer with the destruction of Jerusalem.  He faced the great task of declaring God’s words to a rebellious nation, but the Lord was with him. He is often referred to as the “weeping prophet” because of his tender heart and the grief he felt for his people, as their sin had led to severe consequences from the Lord. Jeremiah endured ongoing rejection and personal isolation, which many times comes with the calling of God upon our lives. A.W. Tozer wrote, “Always remember you cannot carry a cross in company. Though a man were surrounded by a vast crowd, his cross is his alone and his carrying of it marks him as a man apart.”  Jeremiah’s cross to bear was obedience to his role as God’s prophet, and he bore it courageously.

A large frame with the words of Jeremiah 1:5 hangs on the wall in my daughter’s room. Although she is only 11 years old, this verse has been the foundation for many conversations regarding God’s purpose for us. God, our Creator, formed us and set us apart for a special task. He gave us specific traits to fulfill his calling for our life. It may not always be easy, but we can be sure that our obedience to God is all that is needed. He will do the rest!

More than ever God needs his people to stand strong. To speak truth in love. To be a light in the midst of such great darkness. My heart, like Jeremiah’s, breaks seeing the great sin in the world around us. We must stay the course and be consistent in sharing God’s message of hope, love, and salvation to others. God has set us apart and prepared us for such a time as this.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, it is such a powerful thought knowing how you formed me and set me apart since before I was born to do great things for you. Give me an obedient heart that will seek and serve you faithfully, even when it is difficult. Help my light shine bright and lead others to you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

1. Jeremiah 1:5-8 (NLT). 

 

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.