Am I Too Young? What Jeremiah 1 says to the Young & the Called

I was only a teenager when God called me to the ministry. Did I feel young? Yes. Did God care? No. He still called me.


We see all throughout the Bible that God used young people. Kids and teenagers do not have to wait until their hair turns gray to serve the Lord. You can do something now.


Jeremiah 1:4-9 says,


“The word of the Lord came to me, saying,


5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

before you were born I set you apart;

I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”


6 “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”


7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.


9 Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth”


Let’s look at how the Bible handles fears you may have if you are young and feel called.


He says, “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you” (Jer. 1:8, NIV) Doesn’t it bring comfort to you when someone is with you when you have to do something scary like get a shot or take chemo or whatever it may be. You may have to face your fear of getting on an airplane to fly to a mission trip. You might have to face your fear of public speaking to get up and share a testimony. Whatever scary thing you may face in what God might be calling you to do, you can do it.


Then we see that God equips us by reaching His hand to our mouth and giving us the words to say. God calls and God equips. We just have to stay connected to Him, like John 15 teaches. Abide in Christ.


If you still don’t believe me that God wants to use young people, lets look at some examples from the Bible.


Here are seven biblical truths about God using young people:


1.God calls young people. Jeremiah 1:5-8


Jeremiah 1:5–8


“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you… Do not be afraid, for I am with you.”


2. God speaks to young people. 1 Samuel 3:1-10


1 Samuel 3:1–10


“The Lord called Samuel… and Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’”


3. God gives young people courage. 1 Samuel 17:45-47


1 Samuel 17:45–47


“You come to me with a sword… but I come to you in the name of the Lord.”


4. God gives young people wisdom. Daniel 1:17


Daniel 1:17


“God gave them knowledge and skill… and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.”


5. God uses what young people have. John 6:9-13


John 6:9–13


“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish… and they gathered twelve baskets.”


6. God gives young people spiritual influence. 1 Timothy 4:12


1 Timothy 4:12


“Let no one despise your youth, but set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.”


7. God calls young people to holiness. Psalm 119:9


Psalm 119:9


“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.”


You are next. What is God calling you to do? Step out boldly and walk by faith. Then you will have a story to tell.

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