Jeremiah 1

Be Still: Father, thank you for this new day that I get to spend with you. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit as I open up your word. 

Read: Jeremiah 1

‘The word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.’ (v4-5)

Encounter: My sister has just had her first baby. A little ball of shmush that rains down joy and chaos on her parents in equal measure. Every time I get a new nibling (collective term for niece or nephew!), I wonder what their life will look like, who they will become, what job they will do, whether they’ll be funny, shy, goofy, driven, whether they’ll like dogs, be scared of the dark, sing in tune, whether they’ll prefer Pepsi or Coke, PC or Mac, the Welsh or English rugby team.

I wonder, but God knows. Even before there was anyone to know, he knew. And he knows you too! Nothing about you is a surprise to him. Before you were born, he designed you, set you apart and appointed you for a specific purpose. It might not be as a prophet to the nations like it was for Jeremiah but he has purpose for your life. 

Apply: Do you feel like your life has a purpose? If not, don’t panic! Ask God to show you what your purpose is. And don’t be surprised if, instead of giving you a career plan, he simply shows you who you are. After all, our purpose is found in who God made us to be. 

And if you know your purpose but feel a little overwhelmed by it. Don’t panic! You’re in good company. Jeremiah felt the same. Just remember, God know us better than we know ourselves; he never asks more of us than we can handle and he promises to always be with us.

Devote: Father, thank you that you knew me and loved me before I was even born. Please help me to be who you made me to be today and to walk out your purposes for my life.