Then I said, “Alas, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, because I am a youth.” But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ because everywhere I send you, you shall go, and all that I command you, you shall speak. “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD Jeremiah 1:6-8
Jeremiah told God, “I do not know how to speak, because I am a youth.” Sound familiar? Have you been saying, “I don’t have what it takes"? God told Jeremiah, Don’t tell me I don’t know what I am doing! It is evident He had already made His mind up and would use Jeremiah.
After actors audition for a part, the director conducts what are known as "callbacks.” At that point the actor either gets the part or it goes to somebody else. But when an actor is experienced and well-known, sometimes the director will offer them the part without an audition. Understand this; God doesn’t do auditions and callbacks! That's because He's already designed a role for you that nobody else could fill. Even if others were to study you endlessly they still couldn’t be you.
When God says, “I know you by name and you have found favor with me" (Ex 33:12 NI\/), be careful about responding to any other call except the one that comes from Him. Since God designed you with all the built-in qualifications you need, you don't have to compromise your convictions, manipulate, drop names or do special favors. The part is yours! And don't be jealous or intimidated by anybody else no matter how talented they are. In God's eyes there are no other contenders; you're it! You're the only one who can fill the slot because He created it with you in mind. When you feel insecure and unqualified, remind yourself of that.
Do you remember Rosa Parks, the black woman who refused to surrender her seat to a white man and move to the back of the bus? There was more at stake that day than just a ride home from work. By simply being herself, Rosa suddenly moved to center stage. She wasn’t playing games. She was the real thing, and God shone a light on her soul that day that changed history.
That’s how it works: when God’s light shines on your efforts, little becomes much. Jesus said, "lf you're content to...be yourself, your life will count." Now, since God is the only One who knows when your time will come, you must be prepared. "How do I do that?" you ask. The Bible answers; Be humble under God's powerful hand so he will lift you up when the right time comes.7 Give all your worries to him, because he cares about you. (1 Peter 5 :6-7) New Century Version (NCV)
Allow the Holy Spirit to be your agent and advance man. Don’t get ahead of Him. Just be faithful; when the time is right God will shine His spotlight on the next stage and assign you an even bigger role. And when the moment comes for you to stride confidently into the spotlight and fulfill your God-given role, try to remember that there’s no room for self-importance and pretence. This moment calls for; (1) stripping away all lesser roles you've acted out and settled for; (2) discovering who you are and what your life is really about; (3) depending totally on God to help you give the most authentic performance of your career.
God does not need you to become someone else to do what He wants you to do. Who you are is enough, where you are is enough, but most of all God is enough! Surrender to His plan and discover the great plans He has for you in the year ahead.
Scripture to Claim
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him. Psalms 28:7
