During a time of prayer for the incoming college-age students of our missions training, one of my friends wrote down this prayer: “These students will be filled with wisdom and discernment, for age does not determine these things; God does.” This got my mind rolling. There are so many different perspectives on how age can qualify or disqualify someone, specifically in missions work. But the reality is that the harvest is ripe now, and we cannot allow age to be a hindrance!
Three reasons you're not too young to be a missionary
1. We are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ.
This is not limited to the person that has known God for twenty years or the one struggling through high school. God is always wanting His name to be known and is hoping that each of His children will partake in such a calling. He can move and will move through any willing heart.
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2. Our obedience sets the stage for God to move.
There are people all around us that need to know Jesus and often that happens through our obedience. In the book of Jeremiah, God spoke to him about being obedient, regardless of age. “But the Lord said to me, ‘Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.’” Jeremiah 1:7. God wants us to be willing to follow Him wherever He’s calling. I believe this is especially true in areas in which we may not feel experienced or qualified. On my outreach to Central Asia, we spent a lot of time on the streets, trying to make friends. That was so far out of my comfort zone, but, through obedience, my team and I had numerous opportunities to share our faith with those who had only known of Islam.
3. God has created you with specific skills and purposes.
There is never a better time than now to begin discovering what those are and how God wants to use them. Ever since I was little I have loved reading and writing. I started journaling about anything and everything when I was eight and God has continued to develop that through the years. Now I have the opportunity to write for YWAM Orlando. I’m excited to see how growing from this challenge will open up the door for the next experience.
The best time to live the adventurous life of missions is when you're young. Let's give our best to God and chase after His ginormous dreams no matter if we feel qualified or not. Holy Spirit is the one who qualifies us, and He will make a way for whatever it is He's calling us into!
Written By:
Hannah B | YWAM Orlando Staff
Hannah loves coffee and sharing her passion for hospitality to unify all of God's people.