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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 am too young.” But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD. Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. See today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”

 

God knows us, you and me. God has a plan for each of us. Perhaps you are reading this, and you are young. Remember that you don’t have to sit with your own logic and try to figure out what God’s plan for you is, you just have to ask God to reveal the plan. Perhaps you are reading this, and you’re in the middle of a very busy schedule with raising children or building your career (or both). It never hurts to pause for a few seconds and ask God to show you if you’re on the right path.

Perhaps you are reading this and you are growing older, even to the point of not knowing what God could possibly expect of you. I find myself in the middle of being busy and growing older, nearing retirement age and yet not sure when to actually leave the part time job that I mostly love. I have to remind myself daily that I don’t have to figure it out. I just have to ask God to show me when the time is right. I have to ask God to help me recognize His direction.

In the midst of this, I have a little prayer ministry. After I say my prayers for others who are sick or hurting, grieving, lonely, or possibly devastated by life’s circumstances, I ask God if I missed anyone. So often a name or two immediately pops into my head. I have to believe that happens because my prayer, somehow, some way, matters. Those prayers have a purpose!

Dear God, young, old or in between, You have a purpose for each of us. Help us to seek that purpose daily. Help us to recognize it and to trust that You will provide the strength, the words, the energy and whatever else is needed to help us fulfill Your intent. Then, when You have used us, help us to remember to return thanks and give You the glory, every single time, both silently and aloud, so others may know of the gifts You supply. I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Juli Hampton Ham10five@gmail.com

 

Prayer Concern: Those who don’t understand how much God loves and values them

 

Oh yeah, a song, by Dan Schutte

I, the Lord of the sea and sky, I have heard my people cry, All who dwell in dark and sin My hand will save. I who have made the stars of the night, I will make their darkness bright. Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send? Here I am, Lord. Is it I Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.