Jeremiah 1:4-9 | 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.” 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.
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. – Jeremiah 1:5
A virus spread throughout the nation and around the world. Once the news began to travel about the virus, schools were closed, jobs were lost, professional sports postponed their seasons, and a variety of other changes came. Stay-at-home orders imposed sheltering in one state after another, and internationally, in order to prevent its spread. News stations around the world began sharing stories about the thousands of people who tested positive or passed away from the virus. Just months into the new decade, lives were changed forever due to the impact. This pandemic had taken everyone by surprise.
While the pandemic caught people unaware and took them from their daily routine, it didn’t catch God by surprise. In the book of Jeremiah, God proves He’s omniscient. He tells the prophet, Jeremiah, “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.” God had a specific plan for Jeremiah as His mouthpiece to the nation of Israel.
Sometimes things occur that leave us feeling unsure about our next steps. Believers in Jesus don’t have any reason to worry. Those who trust in the Lord and believe His promises can have peace even in the midst of a pandemic knowing He has perfect plans in place for our good. Don’t worry, there’s hope. —Chris Gunther
When surprising events come into your life, what spiritual practices do you turn to in hope?
God, like Jeremiah, please bring your words of truth to us not only when we face uncertainty and struggle but encourage us in a lifestyle of faith in You, Your words to us, and Your plan for our lives.