Fasting Devotion 2026: Day 16

Fasting Devotional – Day Sixteen

Monday, January 26, 2026

Title: Jeremiah Surrenders His Plans

Text: Jeremiah 1:20

Written by: Kathy Elbert

“The word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.’

‘Alas, Sovereign LORD,’ I said, ‘I do not know how to speak; I am too young.’”

Thoughts:

I doubt Jeremiah ever imagined that his life would lead him into the role of a prophet. When God called him, he hesitated—yet he ultimately surrendered his own plans and delivered difficult, unpopular messages of judgment to God’s people because of their rebellion. For more than twenty‑three years, he remained faithful, even though no one responded. Eventually, the weight of it all led him to question why he had even been born (Jeremiah 20).

Challenge:

I’m not questioning the day I was born, but I do understand how hard it is to lay down our own plans, desires, and emotions when we think we know how life should go. Three years ago, my husband, Jeremy, and I were asked to consider becoming apprentices for a co‑ed life group. We prayed, said yes, and the group launched a few months later. Things were going well—until Jeremy had a stroke and could no longer continue in that role.

Months later, God began stirring my heart to start a women’s life group. I resisted at first, worried that stepping into this calling meant I wasn’t believing God for Jeremy’s full healing. But as I continued to pray, God made it clear that this was His direction for me—and He was already preparing another friend to co‑lead the group alongside me.

Through all of this, God has been teaching me to hold my plans with an open hand, always ready to follow His leading. “Not my will, but Your will be done” (Luke 22:42).

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help us remember who You are—the Creator of the universe, our Redeemer, Master, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God. And help us remember who we are—blessed, chosen, redeemed, the light of the earth, servants of the High King. Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:10). In Jesus’ name, Amen.