Believes God’s Power Trumps Age

Believes God’s Power Trumps Age

A HERO’S TALE

From the list below, what’s the worst thing you could hear?

1. “Don’t forget —you have a dentist appointment tomorrow.”
2. “You’re grounded from playing video games for a week.”
3. “Surprise, kids —we’re having lima beans for dinner tonight!”
4. “Sorry, you’re not old enough.”

If you chose number 4, today’s devotional is especially for you! You’re about to see how it’s okay to be a kid.

In 627 BC, Josiah, Judah’s last good king, was on the throne, but the nation was heading down the same path of idolatry and wickedness that had doomed the northern kingdom of Israel a century earlier. So God called a young man named Jeremiah to speak his words to the people. (Check out the story in Jeremiah 1.)

Jeremiah initially wasn’t thrilled at the idea. He said, “O Sovereign LORD, . . . I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” (Jeremiah 1:6).

But God wasn’t interested in excuses. So he corrected Jeremiah: “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you” (Jeremiah 1:7-8).

Then God did something interesting: he touched Jeremiah’s mouth and assured him, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant” (Jeremiah 1:9-10).

From then on, Jeremiah fulfilled his calling. It wasn’t always easy, but he prophesied powerfully for 40 years, and the book he wrote is one of the greatest in the Old Testament. All of his prophecies came true, and at least five New Testament passages quote his writings.

DECODING THE MESSAGE

Jeremiah quickly learned that age isn’t a valid excuse with God. When it comes to being a godly hero, it’s not about your age; it’s about God’s power. God created and rules the entire universe —certainly he can supply you with strength to serve him, no matter your age!

Just like God touched Jeremiah’s mouth with the words to speak to Judah, he will give you the power to serve him in whatever he has called you to.

So trust in God’s power. He wants to use you in mighty ways!

BATTLE PLAN

Memorize today’s verse. It’s short, sweet, and perfectly to the point!