To be used of God

Read Jeremiah 1.

He was born the son of a priest who served the tribe of Benjamin in the kingdom of Judah.  His ministry spanned from 627 B.C to 586 B.C. when Judah was taken captive by the Babylonians.  Though his preaching primarily targeted Judah, his appointment was to the Gentiles also ("nations" v.5).

What do we learn about God and ourselves reading this chapter?
1. God has preconception knowledge about each life. (v.5a)
The LORD is not only aware of us in advance due to His Omniscience, but knows every intimate detail about us.

2. God is the giver of each life. (v.5b)
As Psalm 139 explains, we are not biological accidents.  In the womb, our loving LORD sees and superintends who we are from the very beginning.  Those who use a date of birth for life to begin and for religious purposes are greatly in error.

3. God has plan for each life. (v.5c)
The LORD does not waste His time.  He has a purpose for every individual and their being alive.  With God as the Owner of life and the planner of life, it is only when one aligns themselves with Him that true fulfillment may be realized.

4. God has an appointment for each life. (v.5d)
His plan has specific times and places for it to be carried out.  Things that are alive grow and develop in seasons.  How God chooses to use an individual and the places of their influence most often changes over time.

Jeremiah's response to God's plan for his life is typical.  He expressed his inadequacy.  God reassured him with His promises.  We are God's design, not our own.  It is His plan, not ours.  He is "watching over my word to perform it" (v.11).  Ours is the privilege and honor to be used of God in whatever way He chooses.