7 Things Young People Can Do for the Lord
Introduction
Many young people today feel they must reach a certain level of "perfection" or "maturity" before they can truly be used by God. They think the heroes of the Bible were made of different stuff—that they were spiritual giants from birth. But the truth is, the great men and women of Scripture were ordinary people who made extraordinary choices.
Young person, your age is not a barrier to your purpose; it is the platform for it. Today, we will look at seven biblical actions you can take right now to transform your relationship with the Creator.
1. You Can Come to the Lord Just as You Are
Genesis 3:10; John 6:37
The first thing you can do for the Lord is the simplest: Show up. In Genesis 3:10, Adam hid because he was naked and afraid. Many young people hide from God because they feel "naked" in their sin or "afraid" of judgment. But look at the promise of Jesus in John 6:37: "Whoever comes to me I will never drive away."
You don’t need to fix yourself to come to Jesus; you come to Jesus so He can fix you. He invites you with your doubts, your struggles, and your baggage. The first step of your ministry is simply stepping out of the shadows and into His light.
2. You Can Walk with God Like Enoch
Genesis 5:22; Philippians 1:27
Enoch lived in a wicked generation, yet he had a testimony that pleased God. He "walked with God" for 300 years.
Walking with God implies:
• Consistency: It’s not a sprint; it’s a daily pace.
• Direction: You are going where He is going.
• Fellowship: You are talking and listening.
Paul encourages us in Philippians 1:27 to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel. You don't have to wait for a "youth event" to be spiritual. You can walk with God in your school hallways, at your gym, and in your home.
3. You Can Work for the Lord Like Noah
Genesis 6:14; Psalm 100:2
Noah was given a massive task: build an ark in a place where it had never rained. He worked for decades on a project that made him look foolish to the world, but he did it to save his family.
As a young person, you can work for the Lord by:
• Building your character when no one is watching.
• Serving your local church with "gladness" (Psalm 100:2).
• Using your talents (music, tech, art, speech) for His glory. Your "ark" might be a ministry, a study group, or a lifestyle of integrity that preserves those around you.
4. You Can Have Intimacy with God Like Abraham
Genesis 18:23
In Genesis 18, Abraham drew near to God and began to negotiate for the city of Sodom. God called Abraham His "friend."
You can have a relationship with God that goes beyond "religious duty." You can have intimacy. This means sharing your heart, your complaints, and your dreams with Him. When you have intimacy, you don't just know about God; you know Him.
5. You Can Wrestle with God and Prevail Like Jacob
Genesis 32:24-30
Jacob spent a whole night wrestling with a divine messenger. He said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." He left that encounter with a limp, but also with a new name: Israel.
Young adulthood is often a time of "wrestling"—wrestling with your identity, your future, and your faith. Don't be afraid of the struggle. If you refuse to let go of God during your darkest nights, you will prevail. You will come out transformed, marked by His grace, and ready to lead.
6. You Can Obey Him Like Isaac and Be Blessed
Genesis 26:2, 12
Isaac lived in a time of famine. His instinct was to go to Egypt where there was food. But God said, "Stay here." Isaac obeyed, planted crops in a dry land, and reaped a hundredfold harvest in that same year.
The world tells you to "follow your heart" or "go where the money is." But the secret to a blessed life is strategic obedience. When you stay where God tells you to stay and do what He tells you to do, you will find fruitfulness even in a spiritual "famine."
7. You Can Abide in God Like Joseph and Be Fruitful
Genesis 49:22-26; John 15:5
Jacob’s blessing over Joseph described him as a "fruitful vine near a spring, whose branches climb over a wall." Joseph remained fruitful in a pit, in a prison, and in a palace because his "roots" were in the Lord.
Jesus gives us the New Testament version of this in John 15:5: "If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit."
• Abiding means staying connected to the Source.
• If you stay in Him, you won't just be successful; you will be fruitful—your life will feed and bless others.
- Youth: How to Have a Real Experience with God
- Youth Alert: Beware of the Wrong Places
- Youth: Don’t Underestimate Your Potential
Conclusion
Young person, look at the list:
1. Come (Acceptance)
2. Walk (Consistency)
3. Work (Service)
4. Draw Near (Intimacy)
5. Wrestle (Persistence)
6. Obey (Sacrifice)
7. Abide (Connection)
You don't have to be a "finished product" to start your journey. You just have to be willing. Which of these seven steps is God calling you to take today?
