It’s not your greatness

Do you believe that God actually has a plan for you?

Some will think, “Sure, I’m pretty good at stuff and God has a plan.”  Others will think, “Who, me?  No way.  I’m nothing special.”  But, here’s the thing: both are responding to the wrong question.

Both responses presume that it is about us.  Our skills.  Our talents.  Our abilities.  Newsflash: It’s not about us!

Consider the words of God’s call to Jeremiah.  The Lord spoke to Jeremiah, reminding him that plans were made for him long before he was formed in his mother’s womb.  “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.”  It is staggering to think that the Lord knew us, planned us, and shaped us before we even took shape in our mother’s womb!

When Jeremiah responded that he was “only a boy” — that he lacked the skills to accomplish what the Lord intended — the Lord assured him, “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you.”  It is God who will accomplish His work through us, not we who accomplish work “for” God, by our own wit and skill.

So, when you have those moments of doubt that God could possibly have any purpose for you, remember that He knew you before you were formed, and can still accomplish His purpose in you.  And if you feel that you can do great things for God, remember that He does not need your great things.  He only needs you to let Him work in you!

This column appeared in the February 3, 2019 edition is St. John’s eNews. Click here for the complete issue.

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