This morning we continue our series entitled, “Refined Focus”, with an emphasis on “Focusing on God’s Finished Work”. We have been looking at the call and life of Jeremiah. Today we will continue to flow in this vein.
The Lord said to Jeremiah, “Before I made you in your mother’s womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I chose you for a special work. I chose you to be a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah responded, “But, Lord God, I don’t know how to speak. I am only a boy.” The Lord then responded to him, “Don’t say, ‘I am only a boy. You must go everywhere I send you and say everything I tell you to say. Don’t be afraid of anyone. I am with you, and I will protect you.” (see Jer 1:5-8 ERV).
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. God had already prepared where Jeremiah needed to go.
a) God said to Jeremiah, “You must go everywhere I send you.” Jeremiah did not know what he needed to do as a prophet. He did not know where he needed to go. But God did! And what is true for Jeremiah is true for you.
b) God anointed Jeremiah for a specific assignment. The young man was equipped by God to go to specific people to carry a specific message. While Jeremiah did not know where he was going, all he needed to know was WHO he was following. The same is true for us today. You may not know where God is taking you, but God knows. Just as long as you know who you are following, you will be okay.
2. God had already prepared what Jeremiah needed to say.
a) God said to Jeremiah, “You must go everywhere I send you and say everything I tell you to say.” The job of a prophet is to speak God’s words. Jeremiah did not know what to say, but God knew. All Jeremiah needed to do was open his mouth and allow God to provide the words.
b) God had specific messages Jeremiah needed to deliver. Like Jeremiah, God has specific things He has destined you to do.
3. God had already prepared the protection Jeremiah would need along the way.
a) Jeremiah was going to have to deliver messages that people did not want to hear. This could be dangerous. But since God was the one sending him to deliver the messages, God had already prepared Jeremiah’s protection.
b) When you are doing the Lord’s work, never be afraid. Where God leads, He feeds. Where He guides, He provides. Where He sends, He protects.
4. Life goes a lot easier when you are living in alignment with God’s assignment.
a) Since a prophet declares words, God had already provided all the words Jeremiah was going to need to say. In your case, the need may not be words. But whatever you are called to do, rest assured that everything you need to get it done has already been stored up for you and your assignment.
b) While millions of people are stressed out, trying to MAKE A LIFE for themselves on their own, with their own power, ability and strength, God is looking for you to REST in His Finished Work!
c) Instead of attempting to get God to provide for the plan you came up with, why don’t you try simply receiving what He has already provided?
Closing Confession: Father, this is a season of refined focus for me. I bring my life into focus in 2016. There was a time in my life when I made my own decisions, I pursued my own desires, and I chased my own dreams. Living that way led to frustration. I now die to self. I yield to You. I pursue Your dreams for my life. I live in accordance with Your purpose. I make decisions that line up with Your will. Living this way I get to enjoy everything You already prepared for me. I have and truly enjoy life now, because I am RESTING in Your Finished Work! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
