I work with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at my daughter’s middle school. I am privileged to work with 10 student leaders each week. They are a lot of fun and keep me young. We spend a lot of time joking around and laughing, but when we do get serious, we go deep. We meet each week to plan our school’s huddle time, study the Word and pray together.
A few weeks ago, one of the leaders suggested our leadership bring the message one week instead of inviting in a youth pastor. I always require them to share their testimony before the year is over, but I have never asked them to be the speaker.
The Lord reminded me of 1 Timothy 4:12 which says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” I have challenged the students in our FCA to walk out this verse on their campus. They’ve heard me tell them, “There is no junior Holy Spirit. The same Jesus that lives in Billy Graham lives in you.” Now it was time for me to “walk it out” and challenge these leaders to speak. If they were willing, God would use them.
Friday two of our leaders took the challenge. One student shared about how to live for Jesus in a material world. The other shared how we each have opportunities every day to share the Gospel by our actions. They did an incredible job. They provided relevant examples for their peers and the students couldn’t say, “You don’t know what it’s like being in middle school today,” because these students DO know what it’s like.
God showed up and proved not just to the 2 students speaking but to ALL of those listening, that He has a plan for everyone [Jeremiah 29:11]. If we are willing, He will use us, no matter how old we are or what we feel our limitations are. God is faithful.
Is there a young person in your life who needs a word of encouragement or challenge from you so they’ll take that leap of faith? What about you? Is there an area you feel the Lord calling you into, but you feel inadequate? Go ahead. Put your hand up in the air and cry out as Isaiah did, “Here am I, send me!” [Isaiah 6:8] You can trust, the Lord will show up and lives will be changed.