Don't look down on yourself

God does not have spare parts, He refines and renews the original. The Spirit of God empowers, equips, enlightens and enriches the one engaged in evangelism. -  P.Ramachandran
When God approached Jeremiah with the appointment of being the "prophet to the nations" (Jer 1:4), Jeremiah responded with two negatives, the very similar ones many of us say to God:
  • "I can't speak" - Incompetence. A familiar excuse, even Moses made the same. We would rather God use someone else in our state. We look at our background, our qualifications and our abilities and think we are of no use. But the Bible says in Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses. The Spirit of God is the energizer. The disciples were all incompetent men. Fishermen, tax collectors and that sort of a group. Yet the Lord used them to turn their world upside down. They baffled the religious leaders and the scholars of their days. The same fearful Peter became the bold pro-claimer of the Word on the Day of Pentecost. Acts 4:13 - When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Hallelujah. The secret is to be in the presence of Jesus. The Spirit of God, will empower and use anyone who is willing to submit to His leading.
  • "I am young". Inferiority complex. This was the second excuse that Jeremiah gave when faced with his commission. God responds to Jeremiah and says, " Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you." To Moses He said, "My presence will go with you". Age is not a factor when it comes to God's service. Moses was eighty years old when God called him. Caleb was eighty four years old when he asked Joshua for Hebron that was filled with giants. David was only a lad, when he brought down Goliath. Joash was seven years old when he became king. "Is anything too hard for the Lord."

Fear not. Stop giving excuses. God can use anyone, no matter how old or how young. All He needs is a yielded vessel willing to do at His bidding. When Jeremiah yielded to the Lord, God used him to shake the nation. He can use YOU. He does not have spare parts, only the original.

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