tear out the labels that limit

I have to admit
there have been times I've wanted
to hear the literal voice of God.

You know, like...
an answer to a prayer,
a direction to take in life, or even
a little encouragement to lift,
to guide, to comfort during a struggle.

But then sometimes
I shrink back and wonder...
if He actually spoke aloud to me
how totally scary that might be.
​
Like I'd probably freak out,
run screaming from the room,
asking if anyone else heard it.

I mean... well, I don't know.
I'm sure God knows me well enough
to find the right approach.
I bet He could calm me down;
convince me that it actually was Him
and I should just stand still and listen.

But I sure am amazed
when I read the encounters
of those in Bible times that heard
such a voice.

At first, of course,
it was just Adam.
But then there was Noah,
and Abraham,
his son Isaac, and
his son Jacob.

And what about Moses...
boy did they talk a lot.

And then it was the prophets,
beginning with Isaiah
and then Jeremiah.

And this is who I read about today...
that stopped me in my tracks.

These, the words from God to Jeremiah...
Then the word of the Lord
came to me, saying...
“Before I formed you in the womb,
I knew you...
Before you were born I sanctified you;
I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”
Jeremiah 1:4-5 NKJV

Now maybe since Jeremiah grew up
in a family of priests, he wasn't shocked.
I mean, maybe he was startled a bit,
but it's kinda hard to tell.

His father was actually
the High Priest to King Josiah.
So the high and holy things of God
were in no way foreign to him.
I mean he probably grew up
knowing his way around
where most kids don't.

But while he too, was a priest
he must not have served long,
because this is his reply to God...
Then said I...
“Ah, Lord God!
Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.”
Jeremiah 1:6

Say what?!?
Now I admitted if God spoke audibly
to me, that possibly I'd freak out and run.
​But would I so boldly,
so quickly find my voice to talk back
as to why I couldn't do
​what God just declared?

I mean, here he was,
saying that he couldn't, and then
labeling the limitation.
I cannot speak, for I am a youth.

I mean, I would never...
Wait.
Uh... wait.
I guess it doesn't really matter
that God has not spoken to me...
audibly.

​Because God has, indeed spoken.
I mean, I certainly have had times
when I know what He wants me to do.
At least the goal I am to reach.

And then there's that...
​"But how do I get it done" part.
And that's when I believe I step in
and behave just as Jeremiah did...
I cannot serve, for I am too shy.
I cannot give, for I am not wealthy.
I cannot write, for I'm not creative.
​I cannot speak, for I am no one.
I cannot teach, for I don't know much.
I cannot help, for I am too busy.

Of course, I could go on.
We all could.
We have so many excuses,
so many labels, so many limitations.

None of which God placed on us,
for what He actually said, was...
Before I formed you in the womb,
I knew you...
Before you were born I sanctified you;
And clearly He planned and purposed
us for something.

But we are the ones who get in the way
with our labels and limitations.

So let us listen to God's response
to Jeremiah...
But the Lord said to me...
“Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’
For you shall go to all to whom I send you,
And whatever I command you,
you shall speak.
Do not be afraid of their faces,
For I am with you to deliver you,”
says the Lord.
Jeremiah 1:4-8 NKJV

And what God spoke long ago
over Jeremiah, He also speaks
over us today.

Do not say, I am too shy.
For whatever I command you,
you shall serve.
​
Do not say, I am not wealthy.
For whatever I command you,
you shall give.

Do not say, I am not creative.
For whatever I command you,
you shall write.

Do not say, I am no one.
For whatever I command you,
you shall speak.

Do not say, I don't know much.
For whatever I command you,
you shall teach.

Do not say, I am too busy.
For whatever I command you,
you shall help.

And above all...
do not be afraid,
for I am with you to deliver you.

Word of God
train me, today...
To listen to Your call of purpose,
​no matter when, where, or how.
To let go of the labels that limit me,
and trust that You will deliver me into
whatever You commanded me to do.