Devotionals for the Heart: How to set an example for the people in your life

You are Called to Set an Example
A devotional by Hannah Benson

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”—1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV)

Did you know that you are called to set an example to the people around you?

Regardless of your “qualifications” or what you feel you may lack, God has called you to set an example for those in your life. While Paul is specifically addressing Timothy in this verse, a young pastor friend of his, this admonition applies to anyone in any stage of life.

It doesn’t matter if you feel like you are “too old” or “too young”, “not enough” or “too much”, God has a plan for you. You can make a difference right where you are regardless of whether you feel “capable” or not.

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV), “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; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”

Doesn’t that spark such hope in your heart? It does in mine. Take Moses, for example. When God called him to go back to Egypt to tell Pharoah to let His people go, Moses protested, saying he was “slow of speech and of tongue” (Exodus 4:10b ESV).

When God said to Jeremiah, “I appointed you a prophet to the nations”, Jeremiah protested, saying he was “only a youth” (Jeremiah 1:5-6). God responded, saying, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD” (Jeremiah 1:7-8 ESV).

Both Moses and Jeremiah had reasons to protest, but as is the case for Paul and all of us, God’s power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

God has called you, dear friend. You are irreplaceable and have a purpose in this world unique to you, an identity that God has given you unlike anyone else. Don’t believe the lie that you shouldn’t because you “can’t”. That’s where God is glorified, in our weaknesses and when we humbly recognize we can’t do it on our own but need God to do it through us.

God wants us to make a difference where we are right now. If God has called you to something today, don’t wait. Don’t hesitate because you “can’t” because even when you “can’t”, He can.

Let’s Pray:
Dear Father God, thank You for this truth that You have called me! Thank that no matter how I feel about a situation or about my capability, it’s Your truth that stands. I know I can do all things through You who can strengthen me (Philippians 4:13). In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Garden in Manhattan” by Josiah Queen. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Hannah Benson is a Jesus-follower who’s passionate about sharing the love of Christ with others. 

From the time she could hold a pen, she was writing. But it wasn’t until she was sixteen that she began to follow God’s calling to pursue writing seriously. Hannah is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). In addition to fiction, she also writes devotionals and has been published on other websites. Her prayer is that her readers leave deeply encouraged and more in love with Jesus.

When not writing, Hannah also enjoys being involved with local theater companies, with a primary focus on Biblical theater. She wants to show the love of Jesus through the creative arts.

You can read more of Hannah’s writings on her blog or on her Instagram where she strives to write content that leaves others feeling encouraged.

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Connect with Hannah:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Hannah-Lynn-Writer/100073790792576/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahlbensonwrites/