Two Ways to Help Remain Faithful in the Season of Youth

There is value in our youthfulness, and the knowledge of God to gain. This is the season to hone, sharpen, try, and remain faithful to our Father, as we know our investment in Him will end better than where we are now.

Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. (Ecclesiastes 7:8 English Standard Version)

Perhaps we may know some applications during this time, for our reward from Him.

Test Everything

But test everything; hold fast what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21 English Standard Version)

In this valuable season, we have opportunity to grow our character, morals, ethics, and so on; yet, when we are not going through a trial, we should still practice testing the spirits, testing our thoughts, and praying unceasingly, so that we may know how to endure a trial well in faith, and have the means to do so.

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 22 English Standard Version)

We may have more opportunity to practice our faith in this aspect, as we are not as knowledgeable in our age, and as we may have more time to ourselves. I figure as we may be younger, rather such be in age or in spiritual maturity, or both, that it is helpful to our future selves when we ask God about the subjects that we encounter, and if they may glorify Him. Also, I do not think testing things are limited to seemingly miniscule subjects, as God may use the insignificant things to cause great affect, and we may not even know it.

But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; (1 Corinthians 1:27 English Standard Version)

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. (1 Corinthians 3:6 English Standard Version)

So then, how may we know how to deal with significant matters, or glorify God in them, if we do not practice testing everything to Jesus, and therefore practice discernment? Why, is it far easier to ask for knowledge while in a younger age, or in an older age? I find it is easier to accept new knowledge when one makes a habit of such, epically when the habit is established in the years where we do not know as much as we can. Thereby, we may remember the times in which we received knowledge and wisdom from our Father, and sought more of it, having built a foundation for such in our youthful years of age, and faith.

For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; (Proverbs 2:6 English Standard Version)

Just as a child is not to be without a parent, we are not left without our Father as we certainly belong to Him. As well, a child may go to his parents for anything, and we may go to our Father for the same. Nonetheless, we ought to have reverence when doing so, just as a lower position has respect when approaching authority.

Wait on the Lord

In our youth, there may be a sense of urgency to prove ourselves as we lack experience or knowledge, and due to such, we might make haste decisions. Yet, if we do not know what to do, then we should wait on the Lord. Whether waiting looks like taking a break, being still in Him, or not partaking until in He guides and tells us what to do, it is fine. We should wait for however long in the Lord for Him guide us in what we ought to do, as our time and efforts are very valuable during this stage in our lives. Also, we may grow more patient in our waiting, which renders reward. In such, we may grow diligent as well, as we are to continue in studying, drawing near, prayer, worship, and praise of Him during this time.

15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (Hebrews 12:15 - 16 English Standard Version)

For this reason, may we find favor in His sight and hope in His word while we wait.

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! (Psalm 90:17 English Standard Version)

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; (Psalm 130:5 English Standard Version)

A time of waiting, preparation, or a quietness may give us opportunity to spend more quality and quiet time in the Lord. While we draw near to Him, and honor Him, we may come out of the season with contentment and more assurance, by knowing that the period was truly from Him; so, let us use the time wisely and blamelessly. In all, we can be thankful for the amount of time and youth that He has given us for His will, as the time of waiting, paired with our youth, is priceless. Therefore, it is good to immerse ourselves in the Lord, and hone and gather our skills for Him, because He loves us and blesses us to do so.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5 English Standard Version)

Takeaway

In this season, we may have answers and guidance given by the Lord, through older members. The older ones may advise us against their previous ways, as it yielded poor results; and, we should be thankful for their caution, as such is often wisdom. Yet, sometimes we are more open to older ones who are well in their lives because of what righteousness which they've partook in while they were younger. We may find their advice relative to us as it is something that we could imitate rather quickly. Though, may we not forsake the ones who warn of us of their past mistakes and choices, as we would not like our insight to be ignored when we are found older. May we continue to be humble enough to hear and learn from them, as we would want the same treatment. So, as we walk in Spirit, we may remember that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves; therefore, if we would like to be heard one day, may we then hear them now.

And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:31 New King James Version)

In essence, we should take the opportunity to learn, test what we hear and do, and wait to be guided by our Father to help us continue in faithfulness and obedience.

And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. (1 Samuel 15:22 English Standard Version)

May we heed the advice of those who are older saints, still testing such to scripture, yet seeing if what they have done, or may say, will help us grow in the Lord.

10 His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man, 11 but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love. (Psalm 147:10 - 11 English Standard Version)

With love,

Claire Belle