Aspire
2020-07-031 Timothy 4:12 NLT
Are you full of dreams and enthusiasm to do whatever God’s called you to do? Or are you doubting yourself, thinking you’re too young to do anything important for God’s kingdom? In the Bible, Timothy became an apostle at a young age. Some people thought that being in leadership at such an early age wasn’t a good thing. But Paul didn’t agree. He told Timothy: ‘Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity…focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received…Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress’ (vv.11-15 NLT). We need to start believing in ourselves because God believes in us. He’s got plans and purposes for each of us. The Bible says: ‘For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do’ (Ephesians 2:10 NIV). And He’s willing to equip us to be able to do them. Just because we’re not as old or experienced as other people, doesn’t mean we should disqualify ourselves from using our God-given gifts to advance the kingdom. We’re not too young to make an impact, even if that’s what other people are telling us. It’s true that we need to take time to develop our gifts, grow in faith, and become more mature as Christians, but God can work in us while He’s working through us. We don’t have to wait until we’re a certain age or standard to make a difference for Him.