Chosen to Be Sent

Sermon August 24, 2025, Jeremiah 1:4-10

 “Chosen to be Sent”

Reverend Fred Okello

When I first started college, I was one of the shyest people you could ever meet. I never really thought I had anything to give.

Our teacher put us into groups one day. He told us to share the good things we perceive in each other as a challenge. As we walked around the circle, a lot of us learned things about ourselves that we had never noticed before.

Isn’t that true? People can sometimes see things in us that we can’t see in ourselves. When they say it out loud, we start to find out about gifts we didn't realize we possessed.

That’s what happened in the story of Jeremiah. He thought he was too young, not good enough, or not important enough. But God responded, “I knew you before I formed you in the womb.” “Before you were born, I chose you.”

Jeremiah couldn’t see it. But God did. And God said to him, “I know you.” I called you. “I gave you the tools.”

Listen: God never calls you by accident.

God told Jeremiah, “Before I made you, I knew you. I set you aside before you were born.” God’s call is always on purpose.

And the same goes for us. It’s not a coincidence that you’re here today as a member of Bethel, Emmanuel, or a disciple of Christ. You didn’t just happen to be here.

It was God’s design. God had a plan for it. You play a part in His bigger plan for our church and for His kingdom. Amen?

Now, let’s be honest. Jeremiah was scared. He said, “I don’t know how to talk; I’m too young.”

And don’t we say the same things? “I'm not good enough.” I’m not ready yet. “I don’t have what it takes.” But God responded, “Don’t be scared; I’m with you.”

That’s the truth: our concerns don’t get in the way of God’s plans. Our concerns may hold us back, but they don’t hold God back.

So please listen carefully: you are not a little part of our church. You are not here by accident. God has called you, and he is with you.

Yes, it’s normal to be afraid. That’s usually the first thing people do when God calls. In some ways, that’s the right way to respond.

We’d be proud if we thought we had it all figured out. We’d say, “Yes, I did it.”  Fear, however, drives us back to God. And when we go back to the Lord, The Lord gives us what we need. The Lord provides strength. The Lord provides you peace of mind.

God touched Jeremiah’s mouth and told him, “I have put my words in your mouth.” That’s what God does. God tells us what to say. God provides us the power. God provides us the strength to carry out our mission.

So, fear isn’t the end of the narrative. Fear is the start to God’s strength.
The Lord accomplishes the rest once we answer “yes.” The Lord takes charge!

Here’s a real-life example for us. Think about our revival. Three days together—this wasn’t just something on the calendar. It was a call from God. And we took it in. What happened next? God gave us everything we needed. People came to our doors because of God. People who have never been to Bethel or Emmanuel before arrived and joined in.

Not only that, but we were able to lift our spirits, give, and send money for missions. That’s what occurs when individuals agree to follow the Lord. We should remember Jeremiah’s story. Our revival proves it. The Lord does the rest when we answer yes.  So, here’s my question: What is God asking you to say yes to right now?

“He who started a good work in you will finish it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)