March 13

Charles Spurgeon · Faith's Checkbook

DESPISE NOT THY YOUTH

   "Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak; for I am a child.
   But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to
   all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt
   speak" Jer. 1:6, 7

   Jeremiah was young and felt a natural shrinking when sent upon a great
   errand by the Lord; but He who sent him would not have him say, "I am a
   child." What he was in himself must not be mentioned, but lost in the
   consideration that he was chosen to speak for God. He had not to think
   out and invent a message, nor to choose an audience: he was to speak
   what God commanded, and speak where God sent him, and this he would be
   enabled to do in strength not his own.

   Is it not so with some young preacher, or teacher who may read these
   lines? God knows how young you are, and how slender are your knowledge
   and experience; but if He chooses to send you, it is not for you to
   shrink from the heavenly call. God will magnify Himself in your
   feebleness. If you were as old as Methuselah, how much would your years
   help you? If you were as wise as Solomon, you might be equally as
   willful as he. Keep you to your message and it will be your wisdom;
   follow your marching orders and they will be your discretion.