Disturbing the Soil (Jeremiah 1:9-10)

Disturbing the Soil: Embracing Your Divine Assignment to Transform

There's something profoundly uncomfortable about change. We've all been there—finding our groove, settling into routines that work, and then suddenly sensing that God is calling us to something different. Our natural instinct? "Don't rock the boat." "Don't disturb the apple cart." We want to keep things just as they are.

But what if our resistance to change is actually resistance to destiny?

The Call That Knows Your Name

In Jeremiah chapter 1, we encounter a powerful truth: God calls us not in spite of what we've been through, but often because of it. The text reveals that God knew Jeremiah, set him apart, and appointed him as a prophet—all before he was even born. This wasn't a call that came after Jeremiah had cleaned up his life or proven himself worthy. God called him while he was still young, still figuring things out, still carrying his past.

Here's the revolutionary truth: God knows everything about you—the private struggles, the hidden failures, the things you'd never post on social media—and still calls you.

Nothing can separate us from God's love. Not our mistakes. Not our doubts. Not our detours. God specializes in reconstruction, in taking broken pieces and building something beautiful. Sometimes God has to tear us down to the foundation and start fresh, but the divine purpose remains constant.

Qualified by Survival

What makes us qualified for God's calling? Three powerful realities:

First, what we've survived. Every trial, every disappointment, every valley we've walked through becomes part of our resume for kingdom work. The world may see our struggles as disqualifications, but God sees them as essential preparation. Your heartache qualifies you. Your difficult season qualifies you. Your survival itself is evidence that God has something more for you.

Second, what we've seen. Unlike Noah, who was called to build something no one had ever witnessed, many of us have seen God work before. We've watched miracles unfold in others' lives. We've witnessed provision, healing, and breakthrough. This history becomes our foundation for faith. When God calls us to something new, we can look back and say, "I've seen God do this before."

Third, what God said. Ultimately, divine authorization trumps all human validation. God doesn't need permission from gatekeepers or approval from institutions. When God declares something, it simply is. No amount of human resistance can nullify what God has spoken over your life.

The Uncomfortable Work of Transformation

Jeremiah 1:10 gives us a striking job description: "See, I have set you this day over nations and kingdoms to pluck up and break down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant."

This is the work of soil disturbers—people called to challenge the status quo, confront broken systems, and create space for new growth. It's uncomfortable work because it requires:

Root removal – Going beneath the surface to extract old practices and beliefs that no longer serve us. This isn't about trimming behaviors; it's about digging up the deep roots of internalized oppression, survival strategies born from scarcity, and traditions we've maintained without understanding why.

Think about the story of the newlywed who cooked only half a turkey because that's how her mother did it. When asked why, the mother said that's how grandmother did it. Finally, grandmother revealed the truth: she only had a small pot, so she had to cut the turkey in half. The practice had outlived its purpose, but nobody questioned it. How many of us are living by rules that no longer apply?

Challenging constructs – Confronting the structures and systems that surround us daily. This means addressing churches that gossip about people but won't tackle societal issues. It means questioning leadership models that elevate one person while exploiting many. It means refusing to spiritualize patience when what's needed is immediate change.

Systemic sowing – This is where hope emerges. We don't just tear down; we rebuild with intention. We create life-giving systems that distribute power fairly, protect dignity, and provide access. We design rhythms that don't require martyrdom or burnout. Liberation is incomplete if it isn't institutionalized in sustainable, healthy ways.

Overcoming the Excuse of Youth

When God called Jeremiah, his immediate response was, "I'm only a youth." God's reply was swift: "Don't say that."

Age—whether too young or too old—is never a valid excuse for avoiding God's call. Our perceived inadequacies are often the very things God wants to use. The enemy wants us to believe we're disqualified, but God says, "I'm with you to deliver you."

This promise of divine presence changes everything. It means when we step into uncomfortable spaces, we're not alone. When we make mistakes, God pulls us out and redirects us. When we face opposition, God fights on our behalf.

The Mathematics of Faith

Getting better shouldn't cost you everything. Too often, we've been taught that spiritual growth requires constant sacrifice and suffering. But what if there's a rhythm that makes transformation enjoyable? What if community could be the place where healing happens naturally, where accountability feels supportive rather than punishing?

God's mathematics don't work like ours. Five loaves and two fish feed thousands. A widow's oil multiplies. What looks insufficient in our hands becomes abundant in God's.

Your Assignment Awaits

The world needs soil disturbers—people willing to get their hands dirty, to challenge what's comfortable, to make space for new growth. This isn't about being contrary for its own sake. It's about being faithful to a divine assignment that prioritizes liberation, healing, and transformation.

You are qualified. Your survival proves it. Your experiences have prepared you. And God has already spoken your name.

The question isn't whether you're capable. The question is: are you willing to disturb the soil?