 |
| Do It Afraid| Jeremiah 1:7-8 |
"But the LORD said unto me, 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)
Reflection:
Sometimes the first thing we notice about God's calling is everything we believe disqualifies us.
Jeremiah looked at himself and saw youth, inexperience, and limitation. God looked at Jeremiah and saw someone He had already chosen, appointed, and prepared for the assignment ahead.
God did not tell Jeremiah to wait until he felt more confident. He did not tell him to become fearless before taking the first step.
He simply told him to go.
“Thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee.”
Fear has a way of convincing us that we need to feel ready before we obey. We tell ourselves we need more experience, more confidence, more resources, or more certainty.
But sometimes obedience begins while our hands are still trembling.
God knew Jeremiah would face resistance. That is why He told him, “Be not afraid of their faces.” Jeremiah's courage would not come from knowing everyone would accept him. His courage would come from knowing God was with him.
The same is true for us.
There may be something God has placed before you that feels larger than your ability. You may feel unqualified. You may worry about what people will think, whether you will succeed, or whether you have what it takes.
But God's presence is greater than your uncertainty.
You do not have to wait until fear disappears before taking the next step.
Sometimes faith looks like moving forward while fear is still whispering in your ear.
Go where God sends you.
Do what He has placed before you.
Speak when He tells you to speak.
And remember His promise:
“I am with thee.”
Daily Wisdom Insight:
Courage is not always the absence of fear. Sometimes courage is obeying God while fear is still present because you trust that His presence is greater than what frightens you.
Application:
Think about one thing you have been delaying because you do not feel ready.
Have you been waiting for confidence before taking the first step?
Today, stop asking whether you feel qualified and ask instead:
“Has God already shown me what to do?”
If the answer is yes, take one small step of obedience.
Make the call.
Send the message.
Start the project.
Have the conversation.
Walk through the door.
You do not have to accomplish everything today. You only have to take the next faithful step.
When fear rises, remind yourself of God's words in Jeremiah 1:8:
“I am with thee.”
Let His presence become greater than your hesitation.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for reminding me
that You do not call me to walk alone.
When I feel unqualified,
uncertain,
or afraid,
help me remember that You already see
what You have placed inside me.
Give me courage to go
where You send me.
Give me wisdom to speak
when You tell me to speak.
And when fear causes me to hesitate,
remind me that I do not have to wait
until I feel fearless before I obey.
Help me take the next step
even when my confidence feels small.
Keep me from allowing
the opinions of others,
my past,
or my own insecurities
to silence what You have called me to do.
Let Your presence
be greater than my fear.
Thank You for Your promise:
“I am with thee.”
Help me believe it,
walk in it,
and move forward because of it.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
💬 Discussion Question:
What step have you been afraid to take, and how might remembering God's promise, “I am with thee,” give you courage to move forward?
🔗 Discover More:
Visit the Sanctified Steps page for devotionals that strengthen faith, renew purpose, and bring peace to the journey.
☕ If our devotionals and stories have blessed your heart, you can treat us to a cup of coffee through PayPal, or visit the Faithfully Encourage Shop for notebooks, mugs, and candles inspired by everyday faith.
👠Step by sanctified step. 💛✨