Monday Memo 1141: Now

In this week's 'Never Too Young for Purpose' lesson, let's look at a young man who saved his uncle, who just happened to be the Apostle Paul. Because Paul was influencing many to follow Christ, many Jews hated him, so much so that he ended up in jail after some of them rioted to protest his very presence. Some of them even plotted to kill him while he was being transferred to another place for his hearing before a judge. After that we read,

But the son of Paul's sister heard about the plot; so he went to the fort and told Paul. Then Paul called one of the officers and said to him, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” The officer took him, led him to the commander, and said, “The prisoner Paul called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, because he has something to say to you.” The commander took him by the hand, led him off by himself, and asked him, “What do you have to tell me?” (Acts 23:16-19).

How young was Paul's nephew? We aren't sure, but we see that the commander "took him by the hand," which indicates he could have been in his early teen years or younger. God put this young man in the right place at the right time so he would hear what he heard. He then had the courage and awareness to immediately go to his uncle to report what he had heard.

Paul sent his nephew to talk to the man in charge of the guards and the young man made such a good impression that the man believed him and changed plans so Paul would not fall into the hands of those who hated him. Paul's nephew played an adult role in an adult world even though he was young—and we don't even know his name.

If you are an older person reading this, God has put some young people in your life for a purpose. They have something to do that only they can do. Therefore, you would be wise to take advantage of their energy, their fearless approach to technology, and their attitude that allows them to try new things.

If you are a young person reading this, God wants to use you to help others, even if they are older than you. You should pay attention to what you are learning and what you hear that may benefit others. Learn to act on your ideas and develop your talents now, even though you're young. Don't wait to be a teacher; you can look for ways to teach now. Don't wait to start your business; you can start your business now. Don't wait to be a public speaker; God will give you chances to do that now. Don't wait to be an artist; produce and perhaps even sell good art now.

You are only too young for God to use if you think that's true. But if you think that God wants to use you now, which He does, then you will look for opportunities to Him to do so now. And more often than not, God will have you in the right place at the right time to help your family, your friends, and maybe even the adult world around you. Have a blessed week.