Does the Lord respect the prayerful commitment of a teenager? Or, because he is so young, does He trivialize it?
(a) He very seriously noticed the devotion of teenage Abraham in Ur of the Chaldees when the boy insisted on worshipping the one true God, the God who made the moon rather than worship the moon itself, as father Terah did. Apparently young Abraham was the only teenager in the world at the time who worshipped the one true God (Gen. 11:27-12:1-3).
(b) When teenager Joseph wept his eyes out the night after he had been sold as a slave to the Midianites, he resolved in solemn prayer to dedicate himself heart and soul to God; his prayer was respected in heaven. Even though great trials of faith followed, the Lord never trivialized Joseph’s teenage devotion. He loves to interact with serious-minded teenagers!
(c) Samuel hadn’t even reached his teen years when the Lord chose him as the only person in Israel He could entrust with a serous message for Eli (and thus for the nation; 1 Sam. 3). And even as a teen, Samuel’s words were not permitted to “fall to the ground“ (vs. 19). Many a mature pastor would love to know that the Lord will bless his “words” accordingly!
(d) David was a shepherd-boy-teen when a “lion ... took a lamb out of the flock, and [he] went after him, and smote him, ... caught him by his beard, and ... slew him.” He also slew a bear! (17:34-36). Whether David had time to pray during these exploits we do not know; but his devotion to duty was total; God respected him. David set his course for life, during his teen years.
(e) Daniel was another teen who committed himself heart and soul to the Lord, and the Lord respected his commitment and the boy grew to be a man “greatly beloved” in heaven (9:23). Wouldn’t you like to hear an angel tell you that?
(f) Jesus wasn’t yet quite a teen when He watched His first Passover; when it dawned on Him that Someone sinless must die for the sins of the world, as “the Lamb of God,” His young heart thrilled with the resolve that He would surrender himself to be that Lamb. The Father noticed His prayer and took Him seriously.
Yes, teens: grow up! You are very important in the economy of God, especially in this cosmic Day of Atonement. The Heavenly Father takes you seriously!
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please forward these messages to your friends and encourage them to subscribe. The "Dial Daily Bread" web page resides at: http://1888message.org/dailybread/
To subscribe send an e-mail message with "subscribe" in the body of the message to:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert J. Wieland's inspirational "Dial Daily Bread" phone message is available via e-mail to anyone who wishes to receive a daily portion of uplifting Good News. "Dial Daily Bread" is FREE. Due to travel or other circumstances, there may be intervals when "Dial Daily Bread" will not be sent.
