When we’re called to do something, we can sometimes feel that we’re too young and too inexperienced to be able to do it. We get scared to even try because we think we’ll fail and believe that there are plenty of other people more suited to the task than us. But when God calls us, we know He’s called the right person. He doesn’t make mistakes. Jeremiah was called by God to be a prophet, but he doubted God’s call, saying ‘Sovereign LORD, I don’t know how to speak; I am too young’ (Jeremiah 1:6 GNT). We can end up saying that too. But God doesn’t want us to think like that. He told Jeremiah, ‘Do not say that you are too young, but go to the people I send you to…do not be afraid of them, for I will be with you to protect you’ (vv. 7-8 GNT). Paul reminded Timothy of the same thing. ‘Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young’ (1 Timothy 4:12 NIV). When God calls us, He will give us what we need to be able to do the task. It doesn’t matter about age, experience levels or skills. What matters is that God has chosen you and will help you. Jeremiah writes: ‘Then the LORD reached out, touched my lips, and said to me, “Listen, I am giving you the words you must speak”’ (Jeremiah 1:9 GNT). God gives us what we need. So we don’t need to be afraid or think He’s picked the wrong person. With God’s help we can complete the task He’s calling us to.
What now?
Is there an area of your church’s ministry that you’re feeling drawn to? Even if you’ve no previous experience in that area, go and ask if you can help out.