Her home church had a farewell service for her today. She asked her Uncle Tim to say a few words for today and I wanted to share with you what he shared with her.
Jen,
When you told me about the opportunity to say something during this time, I knew I should take advantage of this privilege, even though I didn't know what I would say.
As I thought about what to share - and asked the Lord for ideas; part of a verse came to mind. Now I have to confess that this is influenced by something I'm learning in my own life...it's from 1 Timothy 4:12 "Let no one despise your youth."
You wonder how in the world I could possibly identify with that! Especially with the bad hip, sore back and missing hair!
I'ts actually a principle that I realize that I didn't apply when I was younger; so I'd like to share a bit of advice with you, that might have done me some good when I was your age.
Reading from the NKJV - 1 Timothy 4:12 - " 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."
Let no one despise your youth - especially not you. Don't you despise your youth!
But be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Don't take yourself too lightly. Don't think that you have nothing to contribute or offer because of your youth or what ever other weaknesses the enemy might want you to focus on.
God has called you to a task that is bigger than what you are able to accomplish. but according to Philippians 2:13, God is working in you to both desire and do according to His will.
God is capable of accomplishing the impossible, Jen. He wants to bring honor and glory to himself; and he's giving you the privilege of being a part of that. Dare to believe that God is able to use you - even in your youth - in other's lives the way that He has used others' in yours.
Recognize that God is able to make you "an example for others to follow."
I, and my family love you Jen, and we will be praying for you.
5 comments:
This is great! Great writing and thoughts Tim. This verse is an awesome one to cling to because so many DO look down on youth.
At times, during my first year of teaching, I struggled with the fact that I was young and parents might think that too. But everytime I shared this with my boss, she recited this verse over and over again to me...truly a verse to live by and to remember!
I'm glad you got to be there at her service. I talked to her today and she said it was really special.
I think that's so neat what Uncle Tim shared. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Our fellowship has a church in Senegal.....The Door.
The missionaries are amazing!
I'm still playing catch up so just now reading this.
Tim had some great points. I, too, could have taken that verse more to heart when I was younger. Good words he shared with your niece.
Tim, what great encouraging words of wisdom. I will be praying for Jen. How exciting for her to be going to Senegal.
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