4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying,

5 “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.”

6 “Alas, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”

7 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. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD.

9 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”

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What an awesome thought that before we were formed in the womb, God knew us. We were all made for a purpose. Each of us was made with our own unique traits and gifts. God is calling us to use these gifts for His purpose. Jeremiah was not quick to say yes to God’s calling. He used the excuse that he did not know how to speak, that he was too young. We may have excuses of our own. We are too old. Our health is not good. It is not the right time. I have too much to do. I have to take care of my family. The list goes on. God’s response to Jeremiah is that He will be with him and will give him the words to speak. God will give us what we need to fulfill His calling.

As we look further in scripture, we read of someone else who was young and had a calling from God. That was Mary, the mother of Jesus. We do not know what her specific gifts were but we do know that she had a willing, open heart to God’s call. This was a call that was difficult for her, but she remained faithful.

During this Advent season, let us remain open to God’s call knowing that He will give us everything that we need.