God told Jeremiah that He had “ordained [him] a prophet to the nations” (Jer. 1:5). That was God’s desire and plan for Jeremiah—to take His message to the people. However, it was not Jeremiah’s desire or plan. “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth” (1:6). The Lord told Jeremiah, “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ for you shall go to all to whom I send you” (1:7).
Think about the parallel. God has told Christians that His desire and plan for us is to take His message of salvation to the people (cf. Mark 16:15). However, it is not exactly the desire or plan of too many Christians, who respond to the Lord (through their inactivity), “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am…embarrassed…afraid…busy…not knowledgeable enough, etc.” Brethren, do you know that the Lord is replying to us, “Do not say, ‘I am…,’ for you shall go to all to whom I send you”?
Think about God’s desire and plan for spreading the gospel. Then, think about your response.