How many more years until you are 20? (Go ahead, do the math.)
What do you think you’ll be doing when you’re 20? (Go ahead, come up with some ideas.)
When Jeremiah was about 20, he had a conversation with God. It went like this: “The Lord spoke his word to me, ‘Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart for my holy purpose. I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations.’ I, Jeremiah, said, ‘Almighty Lord, I do not know how to speak. I am only a boy!’ But the Lord said to me, ‘Don’t say that you are only a boy. You will go wherever I send you. You will say whatever I command you to say. Don’t be afraid of people. I am with you, and I will rescue you,’ declares the Lord” (Jeremiah 1:4-8).
Before God formed you, he knew you too. He has also set you apart for a holy purpose. Now, right now, even though you are young, you get to tell people about Jesus. Don’t be afraid. He is with you.
Jeremiah—who was young when he spoke God’s words—was God’s child, just like you are.
Chomp on this!
There’s a whole book in the Bible about Jeremiah. You can read this whole story, though, in Jeremiah chapter 1.
Dear God, I’m “not only a kid”; I’m your kid. Before I was even born, you set me apart. Sometimes I’m afraid people will make fun of me for telling the truth about you. Sometimes I feel like I’m too young and don’t think anyone will believe me. Give me your courage so I am not afraid of what anybody thinks. I know you sent Jesus to rescue me from Satan, so you will rescue me from any other enemy—or even friends—that I face. Amen.
