“Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.” – Jeremiah 1:6 KJV

Is fear keeping you from becoming all that God wants you to be? Jeremiah almost allowed fear to get in the way of fulfilling God’s will for his life. For when God called him to be a prophet he thought that he was too young to fulfill that role. Thus, he allowed a man-made tradition to lead him to believe that he wasn’t qualified to carry out such a task because he was too young. But God said to him, “Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.” – Jeremiah 1:7-8 KJV

God can and will use whomever He so desires to carry out His work, regardless of what any man-made tradition says. Who are we to think that we have the right to make up the rules anyway? That is, who are we to decide who is or isn’t called by God to perform a certain kind of task? God doesn’t need our approval on these things; nor does He have to explain Himself to anyone. He isn’t bound by man-made rules. He is God! And He qualifies us for His work!

Listen, if you know that God is calling you to do something then you should also know that He will equip you for it. Don’t let fear keep you from answering to that calling. Instead, step outside of your comfort zone and be a tool in Jesus’ hands. Don’t let prideful people who claim to be heralds of the gospel suppress your gift. It is not up to them to decide what you would be most useful for in the Church.

God equips all who are willing to step out in faith to do His good will. It pleases Him to see such loyalty in his people. But are you really exercising such faith in answering to your calling? I hope so! For “without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV). Anyone can say that they have faith; but is it really the kind of faith that is pleasing to God? Does it produce good fruit?

It’s time to stand up for Jesus and fulfill what we have been called to do in His name. Waste no time looking for excuses to be silent, but embrace your calling in Jesus Christ. Don’t let man-made traditions dictate your purpose in life. Listen to God instead. He has the power and influence to open doors that no man can shut. And He is willing to do mighty things through you if you are willing to say, ‘Lord, not my will, but yours. Send me!’

But will you stand up for Jesus? How far are you really willing to go for God?