Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
God can demonstrate His power and purpose through their lives
When I was 23 years old, I worked as an employment counselor for a program that restricted participants to age 25 and older. Because of my youthful appearance, some people in the program challenged my knowledge and my authority.
However, despite my age, both my education and experience qualified me for this position. My boss knew this, and my performance and outcomes proved it.
I’m not the only one who took on responsibilities at a young age. There are many people mentioned in the Bible who, despite their age, achieved impressive accomplishments.
God values children and can use them in significant ways to fulfill His purposes. Here are some biblical examples:
David
The young shepherd, David, defeated the giant Goliath and later became king. (1 Samuel 17:50)
Joash and Josiah
Both youths became kings at very young ages. Joash at age seven and Josiah at eight years old. Joash restored the temple and Josiah led significant religious reforms and restored true worship in Judah. (2 Kings 11 and 2 Kings 22)
Jeremiah
God called Jeremiah as a youth to be a prophet to the nations. Despite his initial fears, he delivered God’s messages with boldness.
‘Alas, Sovereign Lord,’ I said, ‘I do not know how to speak; I am too young.’ But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, “I am too young.” You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you’” (Jeremiah 1:4–7).
Timothy
Timothy had many responsibilities in the early church. The Apostle Paul recognized the potential in the young disciple and wrote letters to encourage him to be an example to others, despite his youth.
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity (Timothy 4:12).
God values children and uses them for significant roles and purposes. He can demonstrate His power through them just like He used the loaves and fishes of the young boy to feed thousands. (John 6:9)
If you’re young or have young children/grandchildren, keep in mind that God can use young people for His purposes, regardless of age, to accomplish His divine will.
Want to dive deeper? You’ll find this story—and many more that reveal the beauty of our Triune God—in God the Father, the Son & Holy Spirit: Exploring Biblical Truths About the Triune God, available on Amazon.