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4 This is what God said: 5 "Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations - that's what I had in mind for you." 6 But I said, "Hold it, Master God! Look at me. I don't know anything. I'm only a boy!" 7 God told me, "Don't say, 'I'm only a boy.' I'll tell you where to go and you'll go there. I'll tell you what to say and you'll say it. 8 Don't be afraid of a soul. I'll be right there, looking after you." God's Decree. 9 God reached out, touched my mouth, and said, "Look! I've just put my words in your mouth - hand-delivered! 10 See what I've done? I've given you a job to do among nations and governments - a red-letter day! Your job is to pull up and tear down, take apart and demolish, And then start over, building and planting." Stand Up and Say Your Piece. (Jeremiah 1:4-10 The Message Bible)
Dear Friend, may this Wednesday be wonderful for you. And we pray you shine brightly the light of Christ in all you say, think, and do!
Oh what joy was mine when I finally quit running from God and said yes to entering the ministry. I had heard many say that peace would never be mine if I had truly been called by God and I kept saying no. They were right, and I was blessed. I was filled with a peace that God would care for me, provide for me, and open any and all doors that I needed. I had just bought my first brand new car and I had a huge monthly payment of $103 a month! Quite a sum for an unemployed seminary student. My Dad was a bit worried about that and asked how I would make the payment. I told him that God would provide a way, and He did. I got a job working in Sears in Denver for a day because the job I really wanted called on that day. The little money I got from the job and my scholarship allowed me to pay the car off, and with the exception of one meal, I had food.
During this Epiphany season, we celebrate the moment Christ was revealed to the world and not just the Jews—a light shining in the darkness for all to see. Similarly, in the book of Jeremiah, God’s call to the prophet was a revelation not just for him, but for the entire world. God knew Jeremiah before he was born and had specific plans for him, despite his feelings of inadequacy. This is a theme that resonates deeply during the Epiphany season: God’s plans for us are greater than we can imagine, and His light can shine through our weaknesses.
Jeremiah’s response to God's call mirrors the doubts many of us face when we are asked to step into something bigger than ourselves. He didn’t feel ready or equipped, yet God reassured him: “Don’t say, ‘I’m only a boy.’” God didn’t call Jeremiah because he was qualified, but because he was willing. It was in God's strength, not Jeremiah’s, that the task would be accomplished.
The Epiphany story reminds us that God’s light is not just for a select few but is for the entire world. Similarly, God calls us to share His light through our unique callings, just as He called Jeremiah to speak truth to nations. The Epiphany is about revealing Christ to the world, and in our own lives, God is still calling us to share His message of hope and restoration—no matter how uncertain or unprepared we may feel.
Just like Jeremiah, we are called to “build and plant.” In this season of revelation, let’s be reminded that God has uniquely equipped us to shine His light into the world, even when we don’t feel ready. His purpose for our lives may be far bigger than we expect, but He promises to be with us every step of the way.
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for revealing Your love and grace to the world through Jesus Christ. We pray for the courage to step into the call You have placed on our lives, even when we feel unprepared or unsure. Just as You touched Jeremiah’s mouth and gave him words to speak, we ask that You equip us with everything we need to reveal Your light to the world. Help us to see that Your plans for us are greater than we can imagine, and that, with You by our side, we can fulfill the purpose You’ve set before us. We trust in Your presence, and we surrender ourselves to Your will. In Jesus' strong name, Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Consider how God might be calling you to reveal His light to those around you. What areas in your life feel like they’re lacking or uncertain, and how can you trust God in those places? Ask God to show you His plans and purposes, and be open to stepping out in faith, knowing He will be with you every step of the way.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
