Establishing Foundations: Contending for our Youth

The generation that lies before us is a chosen generation. It is a generation of destiny. It is also a generation of brokenness. Many of today's youth are from single or no parent homes. Many are lacking the input of either a mother or father. What does God say about these things? 1 Tim. 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Paul exhorted Timothy to not be discouraged because of his age, but to continue to lead by example in six areas, Word, lifestyle, love, attitude, belief, and holiness. Paul, Timothy's spiritual father, knew Timothy needed these things to fulfill his destiny.

Josiah started ruling Israel when he was 8 years of age. Under his authority, the reading of the Word of God was brought back into Israel after 80 years of being dormant. Imagine that opposition with a nation in idolatry. He also restored the Tabernacle of David and broke down all idols and false worship in the land. This began when he was at the age of 18.

David, a small shepherd boy, 18 years of age, once again faces that which opposes Israel and defeats Goliath. God was forming the faith that overcomes fear, what you see and what you hear, in his life before he was brought into the forefront.

Joseph, at the age of approximately 18 was sold into prison into Egypt. What was already within him was the steadfastness of the promises God had given him.

These and other examples show us it is not our natural age, or even spiritual maturity, but our faith in God that enables us to impact nations and change history. Joseph and David both had parallel lives. Their destiny was fully fulfilled later on in their lives. This leads me to an important point. What are we putting into this generation of youth for a latter day destiny to unfold? Psalm 110:3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. The youth will be willing in a certain day, the day of His power being expressed through his people.

I believe that that willingness will actually release His power, it will come from our youth. It also says that the youth will be like dew to us. This is talking about the freshness that dew brings, the ability it has to sustain and create life with the element of water (the Holy Spirit) within it. Dew covers everything. God will use the youth for a Last Days revival that will cover the earth with His power and glory. Does that disqualify us who might be older? Not at all, as long as you stay young at heart and willing!