By Taylor Pate

How many times have you heard 1 Timothy 4:12 preached to a group of teens or kids? This verse says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”

I heard this verse constantly in my youth group. (And for good reason!) But I never really understood it until the Lord started moving in my heart to become a missionary. When I was just 13 years old I answered God’s call to missionary work. I was hardly even a teenager — how could I possibly know I was called to be a missionary? Now that it’s 12 years later and I am currently a missionary in Japan, I can say with certainty that God called me to this, even at 13 years of age.

Growing up in Florida meant I was no stranger to amusement parks. From Disney World to Universal Studios, I loved them all. I especially loved the roller coasters. Even as a kid I loved the thrill of the big drop and how they would go so fast it would make your head spin.

There was this small amusement park that my family frequently visited called Wild Adventures. When I was maybe around 8 or 9, they opened a new ride called the Swamp Thing. I was so excited to ride this roller coaster! However, as soon as I tried to get in line, I was given the devastating news that I was not tall enough to ride the Swamp Thing. I was distraught to say the least. I decided at that moment that age and height requirements were ridiculous.

It’s funny because every time I hear 1 Timothy 4:12 I think about how I couldn’t ride the Swamp Thing. As an 8 year old I certainly felt like the workers were looking down on me because I was young. But let’s rejoice together that there are no age or height requirements for the Holy Spirit to work in and through you.

When God called me to mission work when I was 13, my heart changed in a special way. I was actively seeking opportunities to be a part of missions. Once I was in high school, I applied to ETEAM and was able to travel to France, Japan and Uruguay. These opportunities only grew my heart’s desire.

It’s easy to doubt that God can work in our hearts when we’re young and still growing, but he does!! And when you start to pay attention to this, the Lord can grow your faith in such a beautiful way. So don’t let yourself or those around you look down on you because you are young, because God certainly doesn’t!

About the Author: Taylor Pate is 25 years old and serving in Hokkaido, Japan. She is working to help launch New Life Church and  working closely with the kid’s ministry. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, reading and hanging out with her friends!