Jeremiah Answers Life’s Big Questions

People’s hearts are really all the same – generally self-centered and opportunistic.

JEREMIAH ANSWERS Life’s Big Questions

The Lord said, “I formed you ... I knew you ... I sanctified you ... I ordained you” (Jer. 1:5 NKJV ). Although the Lord spoke these words directly to Jeremiah, we can apply them to our lives today as well. Notice how they answer the four basic questions common to all mankind at any time.

“I formed you.”
This answers the question “Who am I?” Being formed by God with individuality and personality, I can echo the words of the psalmist, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:14). Because I am not a haphazard collection of molecules, but a human being created in the image of God, I can rejoice that He has made me for His own pleasure.

“I knew you.”
This answers the question, “Who cares?” God does! He knows all about our weaknesses and sorrows. He also knows the depth and depravity of our sin. He even knows our willful ignorance of Him, yet He cared enough to send His only begotten Son into the world to die for us.

“I sanctified you.”
This answers the question, “Do I matter?” God’s amazing grace not only redeems sinners from their guilt and judgment, but sets them apart as a special people for Himself. He delights to conform them to the image of His dear Son.

“I ordained you.”
This answers the question, “Is there a purpose for living?” Just as God had a purpose for Jeremiah’s life, so He has one for ours. And that purpose is tailor-made to each individual. What a joy to embrace God’s purpose for our lives and prove it to His “good and acceptable and perfect will” (Rom. 12:2).

by Grant Steidl