Singled Out

“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.’ ‘Alas, Sovereign Lord,’ I said, ‘I do not know how to speak; I am too young.’" Jer. 1:4-6

God informed Jeremiah that he had been selected to be a spokesman to the people of Israel. That selection was done before his mother was pregnant with him. Jeremiah did not receive the news with delight. In fact, he protested by declaring his youthfulness and inability to speak. Jeremiah was in the first few years of his manhood, according to Jewish custom. Having been brought up in a rustic manner in the country, Jeremiah believed he lacked the ability to properly and pertinently, politely and eloquently attract great personages such as kings and princes, and even the ordinary citizens of Jerusalem to listen to him.  Then, as now, people are excited and eager to listen to prophets and preachers who are experienced, erudite and eloquent. Jeremiah was told that it was not what he could do but what God could and would do through him.

Some of our experiences leave us baffled, amazed, confused, and maybe even doubtful. This message from God to Jeremiah assures us that there is nothing that can happen to us that God is not aware of. In fact, God not only knows our experiences, but many of these same experiences are ordained by God.

 

 

You are a singled out person. God has singled you out for a specific and special task. Your task might not involve speaking; it might not include encountering prominent citizens or working in foreign lands. It might be some small but critical task.  It might be giving someone a cup of cold water, or helping a child cross the road, or opening the door for someone, or giving someone a smile.

Have you ever wondered why you went through some of the difficulties you have, since your conception?  Maybe you have gone through or are going through one difficult situation after the other, rejection after rejection, or opposition after opposition, and it just keeps going on. Have you ever wondered why persons misinterpret or misrepresent what you say?  In your case, maybe you were ordained, set apart, by God to go through these experiences. God’s hand is on your life. You have been picked out, so don’t be surprised or become hopeless when you are picked on. Just imagine that God knows what you are going through this very moment because God singled you out. 

 

Thought: You have been picked out. Don’t be surprised if you are picked on.

 

Prayer Focus: Those who are being picked on because God has singled them out.