WEDNESDAY June 12, 2019
God Used the Young
So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved wisely. And Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.
1 Samuel 18:5
Saul loved David and gave him a position of trust over his men of war. David was well-favored and accepted among all the people. At the age of about 17 years old, God used David to rid Israel of one of their biggest threats––Goliath. He was an amazing young man who behaved himself wisely in the kingdom.
Sometimes, people believe a person needs to be over forty years old before God can use them in the ministry. However, as I have studied the Old Testament and the New Testament, I have noticed that God called men and used them when they were very young. Daniel was only about 15 when he was carried away to Babylon where God used him (Daniel 1:4-6). Hannah prayed to have a child. Samuel’s birth was an answer to her prayer. She dedicated him to serve in the temple, and at about the age of 13, he heard the voice of the Lord (1 Samuel 1:8-24; 1 Samuel 3:4). God called Jeremiah before he was born, from within the womb:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctifiedyou; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Then said I: “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord(Jeremiah1:5-8).
When I observe young people, I know God desires to use their lives tremendously. Those who are young often bring the older people to church. Yet God uses the older people to teach the young, as they have a lot of wisdom. It should be the desire of the young to give God their body, soul and spirit. How much of your life do you want to give to God?
God is not looking for men of great faith; He is looking for common men to trust His great faithfulness.
~Hudson Taylor~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!