Many young adults feel inadequate to preach the gospel, to step up into leadership and to assume positions of authority. The Bible has plenty of advice to help stem this. If you are feeling inadequate at this time, remember that the prophet Jeremiah felt the same way as a young man. In fact these are the exact words he used when he received the call to perform his life work:
Then said I: “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth – Jeremiah 1:6
Be rest assured, you are not the only young adult feeling inadequate. But rather than squander the opportunities God is placing along your path, or shutting the door on your divine call, I will like you to consider the words God said to Jeremiah in response:
… Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord – Jeremiah 1:7-8
Through it all, Jeremiah fulfilled his call and is one of the most revered prophets of old. When you begin to feel that you cannot express yourself gramatically, theoretically or intellectually, remember that Simeon Peter was an illiterate yet GOD used him. Moses was a stammerer and he was still able to do the work of GOD efficiently. Consider Timothy who started his ministry at a young age and the advice he heeded:
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity – 1 Timothy 4:12
You’ve got what it takes. The anointing breaks the yoke. The anointing precedes the mission. God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called. God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Don’t say I need more experience, God is eager to teach you on the job. Don’t say the older folks will not listen to me, they are neither as old nor as wise as the God who called you. Don’t feel inadequate because He is adequate. GO!
Uché
Co-written with Bulututu Ozuah