Have you ever doubted or questioned the calling, purpose, or instruction God has given you? Have you ever felt crippled by insecurity, uncertainty, or fear? If so, you’re not alone.

I recently started reading the book of Jeremiah. It’s one of my favorite books in the Old Testament. His life and story provides an amazing example of what we should do when we face these doubts and feel hindered in stepping forward into our God-given purpose. To the one who feels held back by insecurity when it comes to doing what God has called or instructed you to do, these words are for you. I pray that through them, you are encouraged and challenged to step forward in obedience into all that He has for you. As a result, I believe you will see Him do what only He can do in and through you.

The book of Jeremiah begins with an interaction between Jeremiah and the Lord, 

“The Lord gave me this message: “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” “O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant.” Jeremiah 1:4-9 

As God shares the purpose for which He created Jeremiah and set him apart, Jeremiah doesn’t respond to this calling with confidence, assurance, and excitement. He responds with doubt, hesitation, and insecurity in his own ability to fulfill the purpose for which he has been created and set apart. Jeremiah believes that God is unable to speak through him because of his young age.

Instead of agreeing with Jeremiah’s insecurity, the Lord tells him not to be hindered or identified by it. Jeremiah’s doubt in himself didn’t change God’s mind about the assignment He had given him. He simply goes on to guide him in how to overcome the doubts he is facing and step into his calling. God meets Jeremiah’s hesitant response with two commands and two promises. 

God commands Jeremiah:

(1) To go where He tells him to go (2) To say what He has called Him to say.

God’s promises to Jeremiah are:

(1) That He will be with Him and (2) That He will protect him.

He also reminds Jeremiah that He Himself is watching over His word to perform it and that it’s simply Jeremiah’s job to speak it. If you continue reading through this book, you will ultimately find that Jeremiah decided to do what God had called him to do even in the face of his insecurity. He chose to put his trust in God’s ability even though he felt unqualified. As a result, God used him in a mighty way – to speak and stand for truth in a culture that was consumed by sin and had turned from God (sound familiar?). Jeremiah faced many challenges, but He held fast to God’s Word; and as a result, God performed His Word as He promised through Jeremiah’s life.

As I read this interaction, I couldn’t help but feel that some of you, like Jeremiah, are living hindered, stuck, and frustrated by lack of confidence in your ability to do what God has called you to do. Whether it’s your age, your past, lack of experience, lack of resources, uncertainty about how to begin, fear of failure, or something else, I believe there is so much to be learned through Jeremiah’s life. I want to remind you that you aren’t alone and also encourage you to take God at His word despite how you currently feel and the obstacles you are faced with.

Just like Jeremiah, your Creator knit you together in your mom’s womb for the purpose of knowing Him and His glory being revealed in and through your life. Your specific calling may be different from his, but you have been called and set apart for Kingdom purpose at this moment in time. You may feel uncertain of this reality, but the One who created it is not. He loves you and has an intentional, abundant plan for you.

Your doubt doesn’t change God’s mind about the purpose for which He has created you. Instead of being identified by your insecurity, He is calling you to move forward in confidence in His ability to perform His Word if you will live in obedience to His instruction. Remember that the pressure of the outcome doesn’t fall on you, but you are responsible for your obedience to His voice. Put your focus on obedience, put the rest in His hands. 

He doesn’t command you to go where He has called you to go and do what He has called you to without the promise that He is with you and for you. As you say “yes” to your purpose, remember these things from the life of Jeremiah:

ONE – your insecurity doesn’t change God’s mind about the plan and purpose He has for your life. Embrace what He has called you or instructed you to do instead of trying to talk Him (or yourself) out of it.

TWO – it’s less about your own ability, or lack of, and more about our trust in His ability. Put your trust in His ability over your insecurity when it comes to your purpose. Nothing is too hard for God.

THREE – go where He calls. Trust His leadership even when you don’t understand. He knows where He is leading and what He is doing.

FOUR – speak what He has called you to speak. Share His Word and live it out even if it’s unpopular and no matter how it is received by those around you.

FIVE – remember that He is with you and for you. This is all you really need to know to continue to move forward in faith.

Lastly, remember that you are not called to fulfill God’s Word, that’s His job. You are called to share His word and live it out. Don’t live hindered by insecurity, live in confidence in God’s ability to perform His Word and keep His promise as he uses you as a vessel. You are no exception to God’s ability to use imperfect and unlikely people to carry out His plan.

Trust Him, and with every step, let your confidence be in His faithfulness.

“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17‬:‭7‬-‭8‬

Application challenge – read the rest of the book of Jeremiah! Identify something that God has called or instructed you to do and an insecurity that is hindering you from stepping forward in obedience. Ask Him to help you trust His ability over your insecurity and to guide you in what step to take. Set a goal to take a step!

Maddie is a wife, worship leader, and writer. Her passion is pointing people to Jesus, following wherever He leads, and encouraging others to do the same. A few of her favorite fun things are rainy days, road trips, coffee shops, flower trucks & gold confetti. 

Keep up with Maddie on Instagram @maddiee_joy!