Only

Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy.” But the Lord said to me,

“Do not say, ‘I am only a boy,’for you shall go to all to whom I send you,and you shall speak whatever I command you." - Jeremiah 1:6-7

I've heard these words from people plenty in my life.

I've said these words plenty in my life! I can't do that. I'm....

(choose your reasoning here).

I'm too new.

I'm not experienced enough.

I'm not strong enough.

I'm too young.

I'm too old.

I'm only a follower, not a leader.

I'm only this. Or I'm only that...

God has a long history of rejecting the word 'only'.  

Jeremiah here was only a boy. 

Isaiah was only a man of unclean lips, as was Peter.

Moses was only a man for whom speech was difficult.

David was only a shepherd.

Abraham and Sarah were only older folks past childbearing years, and Mary was only a young maiden who wasn't married yet.

What is it that you feel you are "only?"

What is it that God is telling you that you truly are?

God of all, I am capable because you have equipped me. You have formed me. You have blessed me. Help me to share what you've given me with the world. Amen.