Young people have great potential and as a result God has used them effectively throughout bible history.

As we check through the scriptures we can see examples of young people who God used for His purpose. Perhaps you are someone who God has called or is calling to take a step of faith in the same way that He called and used this young man whose life we are going to look at briefly.

The story of Joseph is told in the book of Genesis from chapter 37 to 46. In that story we see that this young man went through many challenges and disappointments, but in spite of these things he continued to hold on to his dream.

God called Joseph a 17-year-old, a teenager, and gave him a dream. He was the eleventh of twelve sons of his father, and grew up in a household where he was hated by all of his older brothers, because they were jealous of the calling God had placed on his life.

As a result they plotted and sold him into slavery in an effort to punish him. Joseph however, continued to trust God even though his suffering worsened at the hand of his slave master’s wife whose severe temptations he refused with these words “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Gen 39:9b NIV), which resulted in him being thrown into prison.

God however, changed this young man’s situation by delivering him from slavery and prison. He promoted him to become the Governor of Egypt, which subsequently led to him being used to preserve the nation of Israel.

As you are reading this, you may be faced with many challenges. Your situation and family environment may not be the same as Joseph’s, but there may be certain areas of concern. Perhaps at school, in your community, youth group or just normal peer pressure from friends.

Whatever the situation may be, God has a plan for your life. And if like Joseph you are ready to put your trust in Him and have a personal relationship with Him, you will know that He will never fail you. He is faithful to fulfil whatever promise He has made for your life. He has commanded all of us to go out and make disciples of all nations, and this can be achieved wherever we are and regardless of our age, because He promised to be with us always.

I will therefore challenge you to be a Joseph in you community, school, club groups etc, and make a difference in spite of the obstacles.

May God continue to richly bless your life.