Dear God, "I do"

  "I do" is a statement that crowns weddings, representing a pledge and a covenant between God and the couple. Though only two words, it seals a promise that fulfills God's purpose for humanity in marriage. 

 Today, we reflect on sealing a promise to fulfill God's purpose for our lives—hence the title, 'Dear God, "I do."' 

    In the Bible there was a young man named Jeremiah. God's word and plan for his life were revealed to him while he was still young. His initial response to God was not "I do"; instead, he made excuses for why he could not fulfill what God was asking of him. God's reply was reassuring: Jeremiah should not limit himself because of his youth, for God would be with him to help him fulfill the calling on his life. 

    From this scripture, we can identify seven reasons why we must not underestimate ourselves but instead respond to God's call to fulfill His purpose for our lives. Let's read Jeremiah 1:4-10, 19.

4. Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying,

5. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

and before you were born I consecrated you;

I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

6. Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” 

7. But the Lord said to me,

“Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’;

for to all to whom I send you, you shall go,

and whatever I command you, you shall speak.

8. Do not be afraid of them,

for I am with you to deliver you,

declares the Lord.”

9. Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me,

“Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.

10. See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms,

to pluck up and to break down,

to destroy and to overthrow,

to build and to plant.”

19 They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you.”

WHY WE MUST RESPOND THE CALL

1. The Lord knows us completely. He knew us before we were formed in our mothers' wombs.

2. The Lord has a special plan for everyone He brings into this world—a calling to fulfill.

3. The Lord reveals His plan to us through various means: prophecy, our gifts, parental guidance, and others' counsel. Above all, through close fellowship with Him in prayer, studying His word, and obedience, He makes His purpose known.

4. He assures us of His presence, promising to deliver us from any harm that comes against us.

5. He enables us for this journey and mission.

6. He has given us authority over all principalities and powers.

7. He prepares us for opposition, assuring us that when we are fought against, He will deliver us.

ACTIVITY

Pray earnestly for God to reveal to you His plan for your life.

Once He does, write it down and say this prayer each week.

Dear God,

Thank You for Your love for me.

Thank You for the good plans You have for my life.

I acknowledge Your omniscience, Your presence with me, and the grace You have given me to fulfill Your good purpose for my life.

Thank You for Your power at work in me and Your saving grace.

Please help me to always remember and submit to You, that I may fulfill this calling.

May Your name be praised now and forevermore.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Photo by Doğukan Benli