Young Adults in Scripture: The Power of Youth in God’s Plan

Have you ever noticed how often God uses young people in the Bible? It’s striking when you start to think about it. Time and time again, when God wanted to accomplish something great, He didn’t just choose the seasoned or the elders of Israel—He chose young men and women, often at the prime of their youth, to carry out His will.

From Joseph in Egypt, Moses in the wilderness, to David uniting Israel, Jeremiah proclaiming God’s word, Mary raising the son of God and even Daniel standing firm in captivity, the stories of these young individuals show us something vital: God sees youth as a time of incredible potential. In fact, some of these people were called and set apart for their work from the time they were in the womb, prepared by God for the crucial role they would play in His plan.

Why is this important for us today as young Christadelphians? Because it tells us that God sees our youth as a time of responsibility, opportunity, and spiritual development. Too often, youth is treated as a period for indulging in temporary pleasures or avoiding challenges. But the Bible gives us a different picture: youth is the time to develop a vision, to take on the challenges of faith, and to begin shaping our lives for service to God.

Take Joseph, for example, who will be our first study. At just 17 years old, he was already showing a depth of spiritual insight that allowed him to stand firm under immense pressure. Even as a teenager, Joseph was different from his brothers. While they engaged in sinful behaviour, Joseph’s heart was set on God’s promises. This distinction led to him being misunderstood, hated, and eventually sold into slavery by his own family. But Joseph didn’t give in to despair. He trusted in the visions God had given him, visions that guided him through years of hardship.

As young people today, we face pressures from the world that Joseph and many other young men and women of faith would understand: the temptation to conform, to compromise our values, to put aside our faith for the sake of fitting in or finding success. But we are called to stand firm, to remember God’s promises, and to keep our focus on His ultimate purpose.

In Ecclesiastes 11, Solomon gives advice to young people, saying, “Rejoice, O young man, in your youth… but know that for all these things, God will bring you into judgment.” 

This isn’t a call to fear, but a reminder that our lives have meaning and purpose beyond the temporary pleasures of this world. God is watching our choices, our actions, and He has great plans for those who choose to follow Him.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be exploring the lives of several young adults in scripture—those who, like Joseph, were called to great things in their youth. We’ll look at their struggles, their successes, and how God worked through them to shape the future of His people. The challenges they faced aren’t so different from the ones we face today: pressure to conform, the lure of sin, and the need to stay focused on God’s vision.

Let’s take this opportunity to reflect on the role of youth in God’s plan. Are we using this time to build our faith, to develop a vision for our lives, and to stand firm in our commitment to God? Or are we letting the pressures of the world pull us away from the path God has set before us?

As we dive into the lives of these young adults in scripture, remember: no one is too young for God to use. The Bible is full of examples of young people who made a difference—not because they were perfect, but because they were willing to trust in God’s promises and live their lives according to His purpose.