The Weight and Wonder of the Call
Jeremiah 1:4–10
A message to Ministers
Introduction:
Every minister experiences what I might call a Jeremiah moment.
Those moments when the overwhelming weight of God’s call meets the stark reality of our own human limitations. Perhaps you’ve felt it—maybe even in recent days. It’s that sense of genuine inadequacy. It could be A moment when you feel the pressing weight of life, calling, and ministry responsibility. Or, it could be a desire to avoid the weightiness and expectations that often accompany the soberness of God’s call to share faith, speak truth, and present the Gospel.
Jeremiah, too, had such a moment. He wasn’t looking for prominence; he wasn’t eager for a platform. Yet, when God called, Jeremiah surrendered his fears and inadequacies into God’s sovereign hands.
Today, his story continues to resonate deeply with those of us who minister in seasons of difficulty, who grieve over spiritual dryness, and who strive to remain faithful when visible results seem elusive.
His story can be found in the opening chapter of the book that bears his name.
Look with me at Jeremiah 1:4–10 (NIV).
“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. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.'”
Today I want to encourage you to rightly handle the reality of your call. Like Jeremiah, I call you to humbly…
1. Embrace the Sacred Weight of Your Calling
As we just read, in verse 5, God spoke to Jeremiah and said:
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you…” (Jeremiah 1:5)
This is so important for us to understand. Jeremiah wasn’t called because of anything he had done. He hadn’t proved himself worthy of God’s call. In fact, God’s call on his life predated his very existence.
So, Jeremiah’s call wasn’t situational—it was sovereign.
He didn’t volunteer; he was set apart. God’s call on his life was not a reaction to the moment—it was a decision made in eternity. Before Jeremiah ever breathed his first breath, God had already appointed him as a prophet to the nations.
And that calling wasn’t vague or undefined—it came with purpose and direction. God not only called him before birth, but He called him to something greater than himself. This divine intention echoes through Jeremiah’s prophetic words in Jeremiah 29:11, where God declares:
“For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Though spoken to the exiles, these words reflect the heart of Jeremiah’s own journey. They became a touchstone—a point of reference he could return to again and again.
A touchstone is something used to test what is genuine and true. In ancient times, it was a literal stone used to test the purity of gold. Spiritually speaking, it represents a defining moment, truth, or experience that anchors us to the reality of God’s call and character.
For Jeremiah, his calling from God was that touchstone. In moments of rejection, isolation, or inner turmoil, he could return to that sacred moment when God set him apart and placed His words in his mouth. That truth anchored his identity and sustained his obedience.
Though kings, priests, and even prophets would turn against him, we never read of Jeremiah questioning the origin of his call. He was a man grounded in the certainty that he had been known by God and appointed by God.
Pastor, your calling is not a product of ambition or a well-crafted life plan. It is a covenant calling from your Creator. Live with a deep awareness of the sacred weight of that call. Let it inform how you lead, how you persevere, and how you see yourself in the hardest seasons.
And be assured of this: God knew what He was doing when He called you. He has placed you exactly where you are—for His glory and for His divine purposes.
So here’s the challenge, pastor:
Don’t just remember your calling—reaffirm it.
Don’t just carry the weight of your calling—embrace it with fresh conviction.
Take time this week—away from the noise, away from the demands—to return to your touchstone. Go back to that moment when you knew God had called you. Revisit the words He spoke, the confirmation you received, the fire that first burned in your spirit. Let that memory rekindle your passion and restore your resolve.
Ask yourself:
- Am I still living from the clarity of my call?
- Have I allowed discouragement, comparison, or pressure to distort my sense of purpose?
- What would change if I fully embraced the sacred weight of being known, called, and sent by God?
Then, once you’ve returned to that sacred place—lead from it. Preach from it. Shepherd from it. Rest in it.
Because the same God who called you still sustains you. And He is faithful to complete what He began in you.
Secondly, I call you to:
2. Stop Disqualifying Yourself from What God Has Already Chosen You For
Again, in this opening chapter of the story of Jeremiah’s life, we’re given a window into his experience. And rather than stand tall and accept God’s call — his first response was to try and talk his way out of it.
According to scripture, Jeremiah begins by selling himself short of God’s plan. Before Jeremiah ever stepped out and boldly prophesied a single word to his generation, he almost talked himself out of his calling.
God had just spoken a life-defining word over him—”I formed you, I knew you, I set you apart, and I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5). And yet Jeremiah’s immediate response in verse 6 was full of insecurity:
Look at it with me. Here Jeremiah says,
“Alas, Sovereign Lord… I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” (Jeremiah 1:6)
Sound familiar? Jeremiah’s excuses echo our own:
“I’m not experienced enough.”
“I don’t speak well.”
“I haven’t had the right training.”
“I’m not qualified.”
“I’m just a nobody.”
But listen—God never called Jeremiah based on his résumé. And He hasn’t called you based on yours either. God’s call is not dependent on your ability—it’s grounded in His sovereignty and your willingness to obey.
Years later, Jeremiah would stand boldly before kings, rebuke false prophets, confront wayward priests, and preach truth to a rebellious nation. None of it happened because he grew more impressive over time. It happened because he embraced the authority of the One who called him.
Jeremiah’s lack of eloquence and youthfulness weren’t obstacles to God—they were opportunities for God to show His strength through weakness. And the same is true for you. Your perceived limitations may actually be the very reason God chose you—so that His power can shine all the more brightly through your surrender.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
So here’s the challenge, pastor:
Stop rehearsing your disqualifications.
Stop letting insecurity interrupt what God has already initiated.
Stop disqualifying yourself from what God has already chosen you for.
This week, take a moment to identify the lies you’ve believed about your limitations—then lay them at the feet of the One who called you. Reaffirm His voice over your doubts.
Ask yourself:
- What excuses have I allowed to hold me back?
- Where have I been shrinking back when God has called me to stand up?
- What would change in my ministry if I truly believed that God’s call overrides every human insecurity?
And then—step forward. Not in arrogance, but in humble confidence—knowing that God knew exactly who He was calling when He called you. And He still does.
You are not a mistake.
You are not a placeholder.
You are called.
Now walk in it.
Thirdly, I call you to:
3. Let God’s Presence Be Your Sustaining Power
In verse 9-10 Jeremiah was given a message that God gives again and again throughout the Scriptures. It’s a word of encouragement. It’s a reminder that while you will face trouble, Take heart…for God will be with you.
Listen to the way God encourages Jeremiah. In verse 8 He says,
“Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you…” (Jeremiah 1:8)
This is one of the most repeated truths in all of Scripture: God is with you. Over and over again, to Moses, Joshua, David, Mary, and the disciples, God gives the same encouragement: You’re not alone. You will face difficulty. But My presence will sustain you.
God made no attempt to downplay the hardship Jeremiah would face. He told him plainly that opposition would come. There would be resistance, rejection, and moments of despair. But even so—God commanded him not to fear. Why? Because the presence of God was his covering, his courage, and his constant source of strength.
And Jeremiah would need that reminder. Throughout his ministry:
- He was banned from the temple (Jeremiah 36),
- Thrown into a cistern and left to die (Jeremiah 38),
- And often left isolated, misunderstood, and heartbroken.
In one of his most raw and vulnerable moments, Jeremiah cried out:
“Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable? Will you be to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails?” (Jeremiah 15:18)
He accused God of being like a stream that promised refreshment, but instead brought disappointment. But even in Jeremiah’s pain, God didn’t reject him. He responded with grace:
“If you repent, I will restore you…” (Jeremiah 15:19)
God didn’t shame Jeremiah for his honesty—He reassured him of His presence and restored his purpose.
Here’s what that means for you and me:
There will be moments in ministry when your heart will break, when your strength will waver, and when the burden will feel too heavy to carry. The enemy will try to isolate you. He’ll whisper lies that God has left you or that your efforts are in vain.
But hear this truth:
Nothing can break you—if you remain rooted in the unshakable promise of God’s presence.
You don’t have to strive to keep God close.
You simply need to remind yourself that He is close.
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)
So here’s the challenge:
When ministry gets hard—and it will—don’t retreat into isolation. Retreat into His presence.
When your heart is heavy, don’t numb yourself with distraction. Press into the One who sustains.
When the pressure mounts and your strength is gone, go back to the well that never runs dry.
This week, make space to linger in His presence—not just to prepare sermons or lead others, but to let Him minister to you. Your endurance isn’t fueled by effort—it’s fueled by intimacy.
Ask yourself:
- Have I been trying to power through ministry in my own strength?
- Am I making regular space to sit quietly with God—not to perform, but to receive?
- What would change if I truly believed that His presence is enough to sustain me?
Let the presence of God become more than a theological truth—it must become your daily reality.
Because when His presence is your sustaining power, you may bend under pressure—but you will not break.
The forth thing I want you to challenge you with from this passage is this:
4. Speak with Boldness, Even When the Message Is Uncomfortable
In Jeremiah 1:9–10, God commissions Jeremiah with a sacred charge—one that wouldn’t be easy, safe, or popular. But before God sends him out, He gives him something far more valuable than a strategy or script: God says,
“I have put My words in your mouth…” (Jeremiah 1:9–10)
This is more than encouragement—it’s empowerment.
Jeremiah wasn’t sent to share his opinions or deliver motivational thoughts. He was called to speak the pure and powerful Word of the Lord.
And that Word would not always be easy to hear. It wouldn’t always align with the culture, the crowd, or even the expectations of the religious elite. Jeremiah’s messages were bold, uncompromising, and rooted in holiness. At times, they were full of hope and mercy—but only to those with ears to hear and hearts to repent. To others, they seemed offensive, uncomfortable, and even dangerous.
Throughout his ministry, Jeremiah confronted sin with clarity and courage:
- He called out idolatry, exposed injustice, and grieved spiritual adultery.
- He preached judgment when others were proclaiming peace.
- He refused to let culture, comfort, or compromise shape his message.
In Jeremiah 7, he stood at the very gates of the temple and declared God’s warning to a people going through the motions of religion but ignoring the heart of God.
In Jeremiah 20, after being beaten and thrown in stocks by the priest Pashhur, Jeremiah wrestled with the temptation to remain silent. But he couldn’t.
“His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.”(Jeremiah 20:9)
His calling burned too deeply within him. The fire of God’s truth was greater than the fear of man.
So here’s the challenge, pastor:
Don’t trade prophetic boldness for platform approval.
Don’t water down God’s Word to fit the comfort level of the room.
Don’t confuse silence for kindness.
We are not hired voices.
We are heralds of the Holy Spirit—sent to speak truth in love, even when it’s hard, even when it’s costly, even when it makes us unpopular.
Ask yourself:
- Am I speaking what God is saying, or what people want to hear?
- Have I grown quiet in areas where God has called me to speak?
- What bold truth is God asking me to declare right now—regardless of the consequences?
This week, pray for a fresh boldness. Ask God to renew the fire in your bones. And when you step into the pulpit, into a meeting, or into a conversation—speak with courage, clarity, and conviction.
Because the world doesn’t need more agreeable voices—it needs anointed ones.
And if the Word of the Lord is truly in your mouth, then speak it—with holy boldness.
And lastly, I call you to:
5. Persevere—Your Faithfulness Has Eternal Impact
By all outward appearances, Jeremiah’s ministry ended in failure.
There was no sweeping revival. The people rejected his message. The temple was destroyed. The judgment he warned about came to pass. He wept more than he rejoiced. He was ridiculed more than he was revered. And when his final chapter was written, it looked like his life’s work had made no lasting difference.
And yet—he was faithful.
He preserved the Word of the Lord for generations to come.
He wrote letters that brought hope to exiles in Babylon (Jeremiah 29).
He prayed prayers that still shape our theology.
He penned laments that still give voice to human suffering and divine mercy.
His obedience didn’t just echo in his lifetime—it reverberated through eternity.
Jeremiah reminds us that faithfulness is not defined by visible results. The crowds may not come. The fruit may not be immediate. But heaven doesn’t measure success by applause—it measures it by obedience.
“Well done, good and faithful servant…” (Matthew 25:21)
Those are the words we long to hear—not because we were successful by the world’s standards, but because we were faithful with what God entrusted to us. They remind us that the reward isn’t in the results—it’s in the obedience.
So until that day comes…
So keep preaching.
Keep praying.
Keep weeping.
Keep pressing on.
God sees what no one else does.
He counts the tears.
He honors the sacrifice.
And He is using your obedience in ways you may never fully understand this side of eternity.
Here’s the challenge:
Stay faithful—even when it feels thankless.
Persevere—even when the fruit seems small.
Remain obedient—even when the outcome is unclear.
Ask yourself:
- Am I trusting God for the results, or am I demanding to see them?
- Have I equated visible fruit with eternal value?
- What would change if I lived and ministered with eternity in view?
Let Jeremiah’s life remind you: you may not see the full impact of your obedience now—but God is writing a bigger story. One where faithfulness is never wasted, and every step of obedience echoes into forever.
So don’t quit.
Don’t lose heart.
Your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)
And one day, in the presence of the One who called you, you’ll hear the words that matter most:
“Well done.”
Conclusion & Personal Charge:
Pastors, Jeremiah was not successful by human standards, but he was faithful—and that’s the metric of eternity. When you feel tired, misunderstood, or unseen, remember Jeremiah. You are not just called to survive—you are called to speak. And the God who formed you, called you, and walks with you will sustain you to the end.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we call on you today to come into this very room and strengthen every weary pastor, shepherd, missionary, minister, and leader here today. Kindle again the fire of the call upon their lives. Restore boldness within them where fear has somehow found a way to creep into their lives.
Remind us all that your call is sure and it remains irrevocable. And likewise, remind us all that You are with us, even when ministry gets tough and life gets hard.
May you empower us today to stand up and remain faithful to that for which you have called us. Help us to courageously live out the purposes for which we were created. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.