For some people, I am too old. For others, I am too young.
Everyone, has an opinion over what's appropriate for me to say, do, feel, and birth "at my age." At first, this used to be frustrating- although, I admit I prefer hearing that "I'm too young." Lately, however, I have shifted my thought process and have come to embrace my truth.
I am EXACTLY the perfect age to fulfill what God has called me to do. Age is not a reflection of my maturity or readiness for God's planning.
God does not factor age into plans.
Abraham and Sarah were over 90 at the birth of Isaac.
Moses was 80 when called to help lead the children of Israel out of Egypt.
Most of the disciples were teenagers when they were called.
Even Timothy, Paul's successor, is referred to for his youth.
It is apparent that neither old age or youth can disqualify one who has been called by God.
With this in mind, let's consider the following concerning age and calling:
1.) Your relationship with God is what will set you up for victory-regardless, of your age.
But David said to Saul, “Your servant was tending his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God. 1 Samuel 17:34-36
David was a warrior before he fought Goliath.
Interestingly, David was not timid concerning the lion or the bear. David "went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth." In other words, David didn't allow intimidation or the size of the animal to deter him from the mission.
Similarly, many believe that David was around 15 years old during his victory against Goliath. By this time, he had already established that with God's strength, he could face any attack. He was extraordinarily confident that he could win, even if all others saw him as too young for the job.
David had so many personal victories with God before Goliath, he was unbothered by what anyone thought of his age. He KNEW he had what it took and that God would bless Him.
2.) We must not allow other's to put us in their box.
In my life, I have been around many people who project their limitations onto others. They presume that since they're unable to start a business, have a child at an older age, finish college, have multiple forms of income, etc, that no one else could possibly be able to. Much like the onlookers witnessing David fight Goliath, there will always be those who are full of doubt, no matter how God wants to use you. They will allow their lack of ability to conquer their own “giants” be their filter and try to discourage you from what God is wanting you to do.
We cannot allow anyone to cost us our next win.
3.) Your youth is not a disadvantage.
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith. 1 Timothy 4:12
Paul made it very clear in his letter to Timothy that his age could not disqualify him. Although Paul was aware that some would not respect Timothy for his young age, he still chose him to be his successor. He was aware that his spiritual maturity and time spent learning how to lead would override his age. However, he still gave Timothy the instruction to behave in a manner that others could look up to and respect. In my life, seeing the youthful set ablaze for things of God and is mature in character makes their age irrelevant. Since there is no "Jr. Holy Spirit", God can use anyone at any time.
“Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked. “Yes,” Jesus answered, “have you never read: ‘From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise’? Matthew 21:17
4.) You can bear fruit at any age.
Throughout the Bible, we see the God calls not just youth to do extraordinary things. Moses, Sarah, Noah, Abraham, and Elizabeth were all considered of the older generation when the Lord gave them a vision to fulfill.
Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain Psalm 92:14
I love this promise that the Lord offers. Those who are "planted in the Lord" WILL flourish and bear fruit. In other words, those who choose to have a close relationship with God will not have to worry about withering away without purpose. Instead, they shall flourish! I really love this definition of flourish: a bold or extravagant gesture or action. Today, I encourage you to boldly and extravagantly do what God has called you to do.
Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. Isaiah 46:4
Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life. Proverbs 16:4
Friends, there is no age attached to God's abilities. He can do all things and work through anyone. It is likely that your age does not disqualify you for the things of God. If anything, your age and uniqueness may be the very things that God wants to use to bless anyone. One way to think of it is, there will always be someone older AND younger than you. However, as long as you have breath in your body, your purpose can be fulfilled! I encourage you to ask the Lord what He is asking you to do at this moment of your life. Why allow another day to go by trapped by the limitations of others? Walk boldly in who you are and where you are!
You are EXACTLY the perfect age to fulfill what God has called you to do.
Go FOR IT!