You’re Never Too Young to Be Used by God!

Sometimes, it may seem that you are sitting on the sidelines. You don’t have much say about your own life. You might even feel ignored because you are young or inexperienced.

But what if I told you that you may be the perfect candidate for a very important role in the work God is doing in the world?

Let me share some examples of kids and teenagers in the Bible whom God used in very big ways.

Samuel: This little boy was an answer to prayer. In response, his mother Hannah dedicated Samuel to God. He grew up in the temple, and as a young child, he served under the head priest and also the priest’s sons, who were very wicked. God didn’t speak much to the people in those days. But one night, faithful Samuel was awakened by the Lord’s voice, calling him. He would eventually become a leading priest and judge in his nation, and he would anoint the nation’s first kings!

David: David was the youngest sibling in his family. He was given the lowly task of watching over the family’s sheep. His brothers didn’t think much of him. In fact, they saw him as somewhat of a pest. But the Bible describes David as someone who had a heart for God (1 Samuel 13:14). When Samuel was surprised that God chose David to be the king, rather than his older and stronger brothers, God said: “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). Later, God told David that he would have a Descendant who would sit on the throne forever (2 Samuel 7)! This Descendant, we learn from the New Testament, was Jesus Christ!

Jeremiah: Jeremiah had very low self-confidence when God called him to be a prophet to his nation at a very critical time in history. Jeremiah was afraid and tried to come up with an excuse: “I do not know how to speak; I am only a child” (Jeremiah 1:6). But God had not chosen Jeremiah for his skill. He had chosen Jeremiah before Jeremiah was even being formed in his mother’s womb (see Jeremiah 1:5)! Jeremiah just needed to obey and to know that he would not go alone: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child’,” God said. “You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you” (Jeremiah 1:7-8). Jeremiah didn’t have it easy, but God used him to prophesy not only about things that happened in his lifetime, but also about some wonderful things that would happen in the future (and were ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ)(see Jeremiah 30-33).

Mary: Mary was just a young teenager when God chose her to be the one who would give birth to Jesus Christ, who would come from heaven to die for our sin and make a way to eternal life. An angel announced to her: “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28). When Mary was frightened and unsure about what was happening, and probably wondering “Why me?”, the angel said again: “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God” (Luke 1:29).

Timothy: Timothy was born and raised in a town that was filled with violence and hatred. Things weren’t all that secure at home either: His parents held very different beliefs and had very different backgrounds. He struggled with a lack of confidence and frequent illnesses. On top of that, he was quite young, so some didn’t take him seriously. But Timothy had a wonderful mother and grandmother who taught Him the Word of God as a little boy. He became a believer in Jesus Christ early on, and other Christians quickly learned to love and respect him. The apostle Paul chose him to accompany him on his missionary journeys, and Timothy became like his right-hand man – and one of the few friends who stuck by his side even when things got really tough.

Like these individuals, you are here for a purpose. Your life has meaning. God thought enough of you to knit you together in the womb (Psalm 139:13), and to put you exactly where you are, right now, for a reason.

The Bible says: For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him (2 Chronicles 16:9, NIV).

It doesn’t matter how young you are, where you come from, or if you have low self-confidence. Do you have a heart to follow God and be a part of His mission on earth? He wants to use you, too. Are you ready to go wherever He might call you? Don’t fear, He’ll always be with you.