JEREMIAH 1:17A

“Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you."

TO PONDER

Have you ever had to prepare for a big public speech or presentation, or had to find the right way to break really bad news to someone? If so, then you might know something of the apprehension that Jeremiah may have been feeling after being given the task of proclaiming the word of God to the people of Israel. It would have been a daunting task.

They say, "proper planning and preparation promote peak performance". There is something to that. When we make a plan and are well prepared for a task the more likely we are to experience success. I guess the only question is, How to I prepare or 'get myself ready' for saying what God is calling me to say?

The answer really is quite simple. We prepare by listening to God and spending time in his presence. One of the biggest reasons many Christians back out of the task of sharing faith with others is because they expect to just be able to do it without any practice o preparation. When they finally pluck up the courage to try, it often doesn't go well because they have not prepared, they have not prayed, they have not listened to either God or the person they are speaking to, or both.

Jeremiah had time listening to God before he went to speak, Even Jesus took time away to listen to the Father and spend time in prayer, preparing for what was to come. Whatever makes us think we can do anything without preparing in the presence of God?

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you that because of Jesus' death and resurrection, we can come to you and sit in your presence. Please help me to remember to start every day, and every endeavour, in your presence and according to your plan and purpose. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle