“Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak (Jeremiah 1:7 NKJV).
Jeremiah told God, ‘…I cannot speak, for I am a youth.’ (v6 NKJV) Sound familiar? Have you been saying, ‘I don’t have what it takes’? God told Jeremiah, ‘Do not say, I am a youth, for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you…’ (vv 7-8 NKJV) When actors audition for a part, the director conducts what are known as ‘callbacks’.
At that point the actor either gets the part or it goes to somebody else. But when an actor is experienced and well-known, sometimes the director offers them the part without them even auditioning for it. Understand this: God doesn’t do auditions and callbacks! That’s because He’s already designed a role for you that nobody else could fill. Even if others were to study you endlessly they still couldn’t be you. When God says, ‘I know you by name and you have found favour with Me’ (Exodus 33:12 NIV), be careful about responding to any other call except the one that comes from Him. The Importance of Waiting
Since God designed you with all the built-in qualifications you need, you don’t have to compromise your convictions, manipulate, drop names or do special favours. The part is yours! And don’t be jealous or intimidated by anybody else no matter how talented they are. In God’s eyes there are no other contenders; you’re it! You’re the only one who can fill the slot because He created it with you in mind. When you feel insecure and unqualified, remind yourself of that.
Do you remember Rosa Parks, the black woman who refused to surrender her seat to a white man and move to the back of the bus? There was more at stake that day than just a ride home from work. By simply being herself, Rosa suddenly moved to centre stage. She wasn’t playing games. She was the real thing, and God shone a light on her soul that day that changed history.
That’s how it works: when God’s light shines on your efforts, little becomes much. Jesus said that everyone ‘who learns to be humble will find promotion.’ (Matthew 23:12 PHPS) Now, since God is the only One who knows when your time will come, you must be prepared. ‘How do I do that?’ you ask. The Bible answers: ‘…don’t be proud. Put yourselves under God’s mighty hand. Then He will honour you at the right time.’ (1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV) Allow the Holy Spirit to be your agent and advance man. Don’t get ahead of Him. Just be faithful; when the time is right God will shine His spotlight on the next stage and assign you an even bigger role. Learn to Say 'Enough!'
And when the moment comes for you to stride confidently into the spotlight and fulfil your God-given role, try to remember that there’s no room for self-importance and pretence. This moment calls for: stripping away all lesser roles you’ve acted out and settled for; discovering who you are and what your life is really about; depending totally on God to help you give the most authentic performance of your career.
In God’s Kingdom, centre stage is not for those who think they’ve got their act together and deserve public recognition. Nor is it limited to those in leadership and public ministry. It’s a call to action, to you, whoever and wherever you are today. When you trust God’s timing He grooms you for bigger and better parts. But there are some things you must, and must not do:
(1) Don’t try to make it on your own. Popular wisdom says, ‘Fake it till you make it,’ and you’ll be tempted to debut in your own strength. Don’t do it! If you do, you will get in the way of a much greater production. The Bible says: ‘Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it.’ Trust God, and when your moment comes He will give you your cue. Share Your Life
(2) the shadows. Are you ready to transform ‘acting’ into an authentic performance that reveals the real you? Fear of rejection is powerful. It takes courage to be yourself. But you gain strength from the struggle and power from the pain when you are willing to risk moving from the shadows into the light.
(3) Confront your inner critic. We are all subject to the little voice within that says, ‘You’ll never be smart enough, rich enough, pretty enough or good enough to stand in the spotlight.’ But when God raises you up, nobody can put you down. So remind your inner critic of God’s promise: ‘…You shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak.’ (Jeremiah 1:7 NKJV)
More Reading: Deuteronomy 10:12-21, Colossians 2:9-15,Psalm 136:1-12, Proverbs 6:30-31
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