Jeremiah 1:6

Then said I: "Ah, LORD GOD! Behold I cannot speak, for I am a youth."
Jeremiah 1:6

Jeremiah was afraid when he heard God's call. We don't know exactly how old he was, but it seems likely that he was less than twenty years old. His call to be a prophet came about a year after Josiah began his work of reform in Judah. It is likely that Jeremiah was a help to Josiah, speaking the messages of repentance that the LORD gave him for the people in Judah. But first, Jeremiah had to accept the calling of the LORD. Jeremiah did not have an immediate acceptance of the mission God had called him to with a 'Yes, Sir' and a marching forth to do the work God had for him. Jeremiah was young, and evidently felt that he was much too young to speak for God. Who would listen to him? God needed an older, more respected, person to speak for him. Jeremiah perhaps felt he was not talented in the area of public speaking, he didn't have the charisma and way with words that caused everyone to listen and understand and want to follow his leading. Jeremiah felt that he needed time, time to grow in wisdom and time to practice his speaking skills and time to become someone worthy of the call to be a prophet. He was respectful to God in turning Him down, but he was forceful in explaining His shortcomings. Jeremiah couldn't speak, he was just a youth. Of course God knew Jeremiah's age and He knew Jeremiah's weaknesses. God had called Jeremiah anyway. God knows our weaknesses and our age when He calls each one of us to fulfill His plan for us. We, I, have many excuses of why we cannot do what God is calling us to do. But God knows our excuses and He has an answer for every excuse or reason we have that we cannot complete the mission He gives us.

Lord,
Help me to accept the mission you have for me. Take away my fears and my excuses. Give me the courage to stand and do what You are calling me to do. I am weak and afraid. You have the power and courage I need and You are ready to give them to me. Help me accept these gifts, and serve You as best I can.