Sunday, May 20, 2001
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Sunday, May 20, 2001 |
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Remember, graduates, God uses the small to do the mighty By DAVID L. CHANCEY
I have a former church member named Hoke who was like me "vertically challenged." Many Sundays when I greeted him at church, he'd give me the same word of encouragement: "we may be short, but we're wound tight!" That was Hoke's way of saying "dynamite comes in small packages." Or, "we may be small, but God can still use us." On the eve of high school graduation, let's translate that truth for our up and coming graduates: we may be young, but God can use us, also. There's a lot of life ahead, filled with enormous excitement, great opportunities and tremendous potential. How do we make the most of this rite of passage? As you start the next chapter of your life, recall how God used the young to do great things for Him. The experiences of these biblical young people give us some timely principles for this stage of life. Paul wrote to young Timothy, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young (don't let anyone despise your youth), but set an example for the believer in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity." God used Timothy to prove His strength and to set a good example. You're never too young to set a good example, because you never know who's watching. God used Josiah, a king who did "what was right in the eyes of the Lord." He was eight-years-old when he took the throne of Judah. He reigned for 31 years and stands out as one of the few good kings in the history of the nation. Whatever you do from this point forward, make sure it is right in the eyes of the Lord. God used Mary, the wife of Joseph, who was probably just a teenager when she gave birth to Jesus. The striking thing about Mary's life is that she opened herself completely to God in deep devotion and willingness. She had a submissive spirit, a spirit that says, "God, whatever you want from me, I want to come under your authority." Have a submissive spirit that allows God to be in complete control of your life. God used David, whom scripture said was "only a boy," to kill the godless Philistine Goliath who was terrorizing the nation of Israel. David had only a simple slingshot and five small stones. Placed in God's hands, this little weapon revealed what a mighty God we have. You're never too young to experience the mighty hand of God upon your life. Place your hand in God's hand. Samuel heard and obeyed the voice of the Lord when he was a young boy. He gave God his life and served the Lord faithfully until he died. You're never too young to hear God speak to you and direct your life. Serve God faithfully. Joseph was seventeen when his brothers sold him into slavery. Yet despite this and other hardships, he remained faithful to the Lord all his life. He proved to be a man of integrity, honesty, and great character. Someone said, "Integrity is what we are when no one is looking." You're never too young to be a person of integrity. Be honest and upright. God used a small boy who gave his lunch to Jesus. It was only five loaves and two fish, but Jesus multiplied it to feed the 5,000 and to demonstrate that He alone is the bread of life. Never forget, Jesus said, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me shall never hunger, and He who believes in me shall never thirst." You're never too young to give what you have to Jesus, and allow Him to multiply it. Graduates, we wish you well. Never forget that God uses the small to accomplish the big. Maybe that's why God used a baby to change the world! Dr. David L. Chancey is pastor, McDonough Road Baptist Church in Fayetteville. The McDonough Road family invites you to join them this Sunday for Bible study at 9:45 a.m. and worship at 10:55 a.m. The church is located at 352 McDonough Road, just down the street from the soccer fields.
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