4 Promises For Your Excuses

Sometimes when we are faced with a scenario or time crunch in which somebody wants us to accomplish something, if we feel inadequate we usually go into defense mode as to why we can’t do it. I have used all of the excuses. “I am too busy”, “I don’t have enough time”, “That will take forever to finish”, “I am too old”, “I am too young”, and the list goes on...In some scenarios, these things may be true. But they aren’t true all the time. And in light of God voice, excuses, when present, are followed up by the promises of God.

Related Post: Stop taking the easy road of distraction, and choose the more challenging path of obedience

Jeremiah had a few excuses when God was calling him to be a prophet against many kings in the land of Judah. But God offered promises for Jeremiah and the call upon his life.

4 Promises For Your Excuses

1. You are Known and Appointed

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. - Jeremiah 1:5 ESV

Before Jeremiah could even offer an excuse, God spoke to Jeremiah in this way. God told him before he was even born he was already appointed a prophet.  Right off the bat, Jeremiah couldn’t even deny that truth. Jeremiah would have been a fool to tell God who he was before he was even born.So he offered an excuse involving what he perceived as a shortcoming, his youthfulness.

2. You are Equipped No Matter Your Age

Then I (Jeremiah) said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak for I am only a youth.” 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. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.” - Jeremiah 1:6-8 ESV

God is with us. His promises cannot be broken and He is with us to deliver us. While we may feel as if we are inadequate, God promises that we are more than adequate, for He is with us.

3. Be Obedient to God’s Commands

But you, dress yourself for work; arise, and say to them everything that I command you. Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them. - Jeremiah 1:17 ESV

Entering an unknown situation and unknown future, God commands Jeremiah to say to the kings EVERYTHING that he has been commanded by God.Whether it was met with resistance or with understanding, He was free to say to them everything for God promised to be with him and reward his obedience.

4. Expect Resistance and Expect Deliverance

They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you. - Jeremiah 1:19 ESV

Jeremiah was told that they WILL fight against him and there WILL be resistance. Resistance is something that we often try to avoid thinking that following God’s commands will always put our safety and well-being first.Once again, God promises that He will be with Jeremiah to deliver him. The journey of Jeremiah reflects the journey of Jesus in these way:- God knew Him and appointed Him for the greatest mission.- God equipped Him not because of His age, but because of His calling.- Jesus was obedient to the commands of God, never wavering, unto death.God promised resistance from others and God promised deliverance to Jesus. A deliverance that came from His death on the cross, the death that rescued us who believe from death into life.