Jeremiah 1:7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.”

The calling of Jeremiah was a major event in the history of the Jewish people, but only God knew that at the time. As God famously said in verse 3, He had planned Jeremiah’s ministry before he was even conceived. Like so many people, Jeremiah tried to object to his commission. At this point he was a youth, but people don’t stay young! No objection we can make stands before the purposes of God. It is in a way comforting to us today to realize that even people like Moses and Jeremiah tried to get out of the assignments God had for them. We’re as human as they were! Like them, we need to learn to take our eyes off of ourselves and fix them on Him, knowing that He will enable us to do anything He tells us to do. Frankly, we don’t know the outcome of our obedience. In the short term, it might seem delightful or it might seem horrific, but if we are indeed obedient, the ultimate result will be glory beyond our ability to imagine it. (2 Corinthians 4:17) God’s power is far greater than any weakness we might have. Our weaknesses should only serve to teach us to depend on Him!

I first told my parents that I wanted to be a missionary when I was 10, but I promptly forgot that, and planned to be an archaeologist. My parents didn’t forget, and so were not surprised when I chose to move my young family to Japan in 1974. The road did not go as any of us expected it to, but after two years in Japan at that point and then going to seminary in the US, and assorted things that felt like roadblocks and detours, we arrived here in Omura in 1981, and have essentially been here ever since. Many things have happened in these 45 years, some of which we rejoiced in and some of which we endured. Every one of them shaped us, often in ways we did not realize at the time. Right now, when we are officially in what the Japanese government classifies as “the latter part of old age,” God is doing beautiful things through us at a remarkable rate, and I’m deeply grateful. Yesterday I was reminded that I had completely forgotten a major responsibility I have, but that was just another reminder of my total dependence on God. I can’t even remember things without His help! This evening we will be having an evangelistic concert here, and I’ll be going to the airport in a couple of hours to pick up the couple who will be performing. I have no idea how many people will show up for the concert, and I certainly can’t force anyone to come, so I’ve got to leave it in His hands. I have hopes of what He might do in the concert, but again, I can’t make it happen. I’ve just got to be obedient and flow with His Spirit. God’s plans are perfect, and He might even use me in the process!

Father, thank You for Your grace, Your power, Your plans. I am certainly not a Jeremiah, but I want to fulfill every part You intend for me, so that Your name may be acknowledged as holy and Your rule and authority be established as Your will is done, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!