Not Too Young for This! – Family Devotion – January 31, 2022

Read: Jeremiah 1:4-10

But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD.
Jeremiah 1:7-8

Not Too Young for This!

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Has anyone ever told you that you are too young to do something? Maybe your parents told you that you were too young to use the big sharp knife to cut the vegetables as you helped them cook supper. Or maybe your big brother told you that you were too young to drive his brand-new remote-controlled truck. There are things that need some training and careful guidance before you are allowed to use them.

Jeremiah knew the LORD had a big task in front of him, something that was going to require some training. The people of Israel—God’s chosen people—had once again slipped away from what God wanted for their lives. How sad to hear they said no to God and replaced him with their own gods. God called Jeremiah to confront them about their sins. God wanted to lead them to be sorry and return to the blessings of God’s love. But Jeremiah felt he was too young for the job.

So God assured Jeremiah that he would give him the words to say and be with him. “Don’t be afraid… I am with you and will rescue you,” God promised. Jeremiah didn’t need to be timid or shy or feel inadequate about carrying God’s message to the people.

At times you might feel unqualified or too young to share God’s message with others. You might be hesitant to tell a friend about Jesus’ love. But God is with you too. He has put people in your life that need to hear what God says and learn that Jesus is their Savior. When you listen to or read God’s Word, God is growing the faith in your heart that the Holy Spirit started, and you will have the words to say.

You are God’s messenger! Like Jeremiah, you are not too young to carry God’s Word to people who need to hear it. Do not be afraid to share his message with others. God is with you.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord God, thank you for being patient with your people and sending messengers to preach your true word. Forgive me for times when I have shied away from speaking your Word to my family or friends. Be with me and take away my fears. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• From today’s devotion, who did God choose to preach to the Israelites?
• What did God promise him?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why do you think Jeremiah felt too young or afraid to speak to his people?
• How did God reassure Jeremiah?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Discuss a time when you have felt unqualified, inadequate, or too young to speak God’s Word to others.
• Name some ways that you know God will equip you to do the work he has already prepared for you.