Today’s Devotion
Topic: To The Young Men
Text: Lam 3: 27, 29, 31- 32
27 It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young. 29 Let him bury his face in the dust — there may yet be hope. 31 For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. 32 Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love. Amen
The prime of every man is his youth; when he’s strong and energetic. He is not only full of ideas, but also the drive and initiative to realise those ideas. Unfortunately, the pathway to success is not void of challenges, obstacles and trials. Right after school or training, he must think about how to sustain himself as a responsible man.
This requires a good job and a godly plan to success. He also has the responsibility to identify a virtuous woman for marriage and subsequently raise a family that fears God.
In the process, he may fail an examination paper or two, work under a terrible boss, lose a relative or close friend, get “bounced” by the prettiest lady in his world, he may even get broken-hearted with the end of a beautiful relationship. Also, he may ignorantly let wonderful opportunities slip him by or even lose great investments due to wrong decisions. If He ignores the Lord, bad company will corrupt his good manners and change the course of his life.
But you see, however you look at it, Prophet Jeremiah maintains that it is better to bear all of life’s challenges and burdens while a man is still young. This may be so because:
i. A young man has strength to withstand pressures and shocks than probably a child or old man can. If he finds the Lord on time, before death, he can achieve so much in addition to eternal life.
ii. Every young man is still learning and discovering life. Each storm, trial or temptation has a lesson or two to teach him for tomorrow. So that with time, he will not just grow older, but also wiser, better and stronger.
iii. A young man who fears and waits upon the Lord will always have his strength renewed. He will run and not grow weary, walk and not faint. He receives grace to engage all his skills and talents for exploits.
Therefore gather all the young men and encourage them to be strong through their struggles. Especially those who are really having a hard time through life. Tell them that no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though they may suffer grief, God will show compassion. There is a beautiful tomorrow after today’s toil.
Begin to pray for all young men. Your sons, brothers, fathers, pastors, uncles, fiancé, husbands and friends. They are or will become heads of families and bread winners someday soon. Created in the image of God, they should arise and do exploits for God and country!
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