“Sometimes people tell me I’m too young to do anything great for God, but one day I’ll be old enough. I just want them to respect me and my faith now. Is that too much to ask?” – Brad

hey Brad,

I know how frustrating it is when people look down on you because of your age. But I’ve got an awesome true story to share that I think will encourage you. (I know, you’re asking for advice, not story-time, but bear with me. I promise it relates.)

This story takes place back in the Old Testament age of princes, prophets, and priests. One particular king ended up rejecting God, the very One who had appointed him. So God decided it was time for a new king, one who would follow Him wholeheartedly.

God talked to one of his prophets (let’s call him Sam) and told him He had chosen a new king, one of the sons of a specific family. Following God’s instruction, Sam went down to visit the family, and he was impressed by the sons.

One by one, Sam appraised the sons, beginning with the oldest. Aha! Samuel said to himself. He’s tall, strong, a great leader. Surely this is the new king.

But God told Sam, “Don’t consider his outward appearance or his height. I look at the heart. And this is not the one I have chosen.”

No problem, Sam thought. There are six more and they all look like pretty good candidates.

But as each one passed in front of him, God said no.

“Do you have any other sons?” Sam asked the father.

“Well, yeah, one more.” he said. “But he’s the youngest, and he’s out taking care of the livestock..” No doubt the dad and brothers were thinking, Squirt might be king? That kid? No way…

When the youngest son finally came in from the fields, he was probably dirty and smelly from being with animals all day– not exactly the picture of royalty.

But God told Sam, “That’s him. He’s the one I have chosen.”

So Samuel anointed the youngest son, the kid who took care of the animals, David, to be the new king of Israel. (1 Samuel 16)

The truth is, Brad, other people will always judge you on the basis of your age, your appearance, something, just like they misjudged David. I know that’s frustrating, but all you can do is be yourself and pray that they will see that the real you is more than just a number of years.

The good news, though, is that God doesn’t judge you by your age. In fact, throughout the Bible, there are stories of kids and teens that God used in amazing ways. Like Josiah, who became king of Israel when he was only 8 years old , no joke! (2 Kings 22:1)

The most awesome part might be that Josiah was a fantastic ruler for 31 years. 2 Kings 23:25 even says, “Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength.” How awesome is that??

God doesn’t care how old you are. The condition of your heart is what matters to Him. The best thing you can do right now is found in 1 Timothy 4:12: “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.”

If an 8-year-old and a shepherd boy can become incredible kings, God can use you to do His work, whether you’re 8, 18, or 80. All you have to do is follow Him and let the world watch in wonder.

~ Halee

Got a question? Need some advice? I’d love to help. Email me.