By 1 Youth Ministry – Youth Grades 7–12

Every day, we face a choice: make excuses or seize opportunities. At our recent Sunday youth gathering, we explored this powerful idea—how fear and doubt often disguise themselves as excuses and hold us back from what God has called us to do.

The Real Story Behind Excuses

We started by calling out the excuses we all use—some more frequently than we’d like to admit. The truth is, most excuses are just false stories we tell ourselves, rooted in fear—fear of failure, rejection, or the unknown. But more deeply, these fears reflect a lack of faith in God’s plan and power.

God doesn’t give us small dreams. He plants desires in our hearts that are often far bigger than we think we can handle—because we’re not meant to do it alone. He wants us to trust Him.

Jeremiah’s Story: From Excuses to Calling

We looked at the prophet Jeremiah, who was just a teen when God called him to be a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah had a list of excuses, just like many of us do:

• “It’s too hard.”
  Yes, being a prophet was tough. But God promised He would be with Jeremiah. Likewise, when God calls you, He equips you and walks with you.

• “I’m not talented enough.”
  Jeremiah felt inadequate, especially because of his youth. But God reminded him that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called.

• “It’s not the right time.”
  Jeremiah thought he wasn’t ready. But God’s timing is always perfect. When He says “go,” He means now—and He’ll never leave you to do it alone.

• “It’s dangerous.”
  Jeremiah’s mission did come with risks. Yet even when the message was hard to deliver, God provided him with the courage and protection he needed.

• “Does it have to be now?”
  Yes, it does. When God speaks, He expects action. He told Jeremiah to get ready immediately. The task was difficult, but God promised His presence and protection.

Jeremiah 29:11 – God’s Assurance

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
— Jeremiah 29:11

Even when Jeremiah’s warnings went unheeded and Israel was exiled, God still used him to deliver hope. And the same is true for us. No matter what the world says, God’s plan for you is filled with purpose and promise.

What Will You Choose?

Next time you catch yourself saying, “I can’t,” ask yourself if it’s really about ability—or fear. Don’t let excuses rob you of the future God wants to give you. Trust Him. Step out in faith. Say yes.

Excuses hold us back. Faith moves us forward.