Speak Out - The Weeping Prophet.

It has been said that Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, was in his late teens or early twenties when he was called by God to serve Him. Jeremiah 1:4-8 contains part of this call of God, “Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’ Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.’ But the LORD said to me, ‘Do not say, 'I am only a youth'; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD.’” What awesome comfort these verses bring! God knew us even before we were created, He will tell us where to go and what to do with our lives, He will deliver us from trouble, and HE IS WITH US!

These verses were read many times as I went through Bible School, college in the Fargo-Moorhead area, and as I was deciding to go to Seminary in Minneapolis. However, looking back over the last seven and a half years of college and Seminary (that’s a lot of school), these verses were perhaps most meaningful and instrumental in helping me to understand my role in the church as a college student. Oftentimes, the college-age population is widely ignored in the church. They are too old to be in the youth group but don’t feel comfortable participating in adult activities. However, the Word of God rings loudly in these verses, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth;’ for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak.” If God is calling you to use the gifts that He has given you for His glory in the church, then USE THEM! Get involved in teaching a Sunday School class or a Wednesday night Kid’s Club, volunteer to sing for special music or on a worship team, talk to the pastor about starting a college age Bible study, and don’t be afraid to help lead it if they ask you to. God wants us to use the gifts He has given us, and when we do, it brings glory to His Name! And ultimately, there is no reason to be afraid, scared, or intimidated, because God has given us a wonderful, everlasting promise, “I am with you to deliver you.” These words have constantly brought comfort and confidence in Christ to me, and I pray that they may do the same for you.

by Micah Hjermstad
originally posted January 2008