Walking in God's PurposeSample

Not Too Young

Perhaps you feel you’re too young to step into God’s purpose for your life. Allow this account of David’s life to put wind in your sails.

In 1 Samuel 15, God tells Samuel that He regrets making Saul king over Israel. He sends Samuel to Jesse’s house because He’s chosen one of Jesse’s sons to be king instead. Samuel is impressed by Jesse’s oldest son who totally looks the part of a potential king. However, God tells Samuel, ‘The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart’ (1 Samuel 16:7). And God says this same thing for each of Jesse’s other sons paraded before Samuel.

Finally, Samuel asks Jesse if he has any other sons. ‘There’s still the youngest,’ Jesse answers. ‘He’s tending the sheep.’ Samuel says, ‘Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.’ David arrives, and the rest is history (1 Samuel 16:10–12).

Clearly, Samuel already has a mental picture of how the king of Israel should look and how old he should be. But God’s criteria are different. Perhaps you also have a picture or a timeframe in mind of when you think you’ll be ready to serve God. I remember telling my thirteen-year-old self that there was nothing a kid like me could do for God. I’d wait until university. But God’s response to my reasoning was clear: ‘Why not start now?’ I certainly didn’t have what it took to start a ministry. David didn’t have what it took to be king when he was anointed. He was the lastborn brother. Initially, he wasn’t even invited to the meeting with Samuel because his father looked down on him as an insignificant shepherd. But the truth is, God’s just looking for people who don’t depend on their strength but on His. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:9 explain why, recounting God’s reminder that, ‘My power is made perfect in weakness.’

David was chosen by God simply because he had the heart God was looking for (1 Samuel 13:14). Be encouraged that you’re not too young to walk in God’s purpose and that God can use you even if you don’t seem to fit the perfect picture. Refuse to follow the ungodly ways of your peers because it’s obedience to God’s instructions that propels you into purpose. When others mock you for your convictions, don’t forget that David’s own family disregarded him – then ended up standing respectfully in his presence. Be encouraged! By standing your ground for Jesus, you’ve begun the journey of purpose.