Christian commitment is not always easy – not by a long way. There are times when it asks of us more than we feel able to give. There are times when we have more questions than answers. There are times when we wonder what we’ve got ourselves into and why. But, as the prophet Jeremiah found, the challenging call of God comes to us nonetheless, and despite ourselves, we cannot but answer.
The Lord said to me, ‘… I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations.’ ‘Ah, Lord God!’ I answered, ‘I don’t know how to speak. I’m only a boy.’ But the Lord responded, ‘Do not say you’re only a boy; you must go to those I send you to, and speak to them whatever words I give you.’
Jeremiah 1:4-7
Who am I to serve you, Lord?
Yet you have called me.
Who am I to speak for you?
Yet you have summoned me.
Who am I to act for you?
Yet you have bidden me.
Who am I to represent you?
Yet you have chosen me.
Who am I to work for you?
Yet you have asked it of me.
Who am I to honour you?
Yet you have picked me.
Who am I to declare you?
Yet you have spoken to me.
Who am I to know you?
Yet you have met me.
Who am I to approach you?
Yet you have pardoned me.
Lord, I did not ask to follow you,
nor am I worthy to do so,
nor am I always sure I want to,
for my questions are many
and the way is hard.
I am dwarfed by the challenge,
fearful of the consequences,
yet you have reached out,
and I cannot ignore or refuse you.
In your love, you have called me to respond.
I can do no other.
Amen.