Realistically Overcoming the Expectations for Youth?

School, friends, fun, maybe get in trouble every now and then. These are basic expectations people have for both teenagers and young adults. None of those things, except for the last are bad. No, learning, and having fun are incredibly important. But what if we were made for something more. Something above what is expected of us?

How many people would laugh and shake their heads if we told them we wanted to do something great. Whether that be starting a business, assisting the needy, learning a trade, or even share the gospel. The sad part is none of these things should be strange. They should be regular things that people think we can do. Is incompetency the issue? No, we can always learn. The issue is low expectations for our generation.

Why the Low Expectations?

Low expectations have been building up over time, but the issue with it now, is the generation before us have a hard time believing we can do something amazing because they couldn't. It is sad, but the fact is, people think that if they can't do it, no one can. Even Paul had to warn Timothy that to not let others despise him for his youth.

"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12

And over time, this idea has been imprinted on us. So much so that Brett Harris, co-author of the book Do Hard Things, dedicated his life to this mission. When he was just a teen, he and his brother wrote a best-selling book, and launched a movement to help teens and young adults overcome societies low expectations. Expectations have become so important, that he and many others have dedicated their lives to showing teens and young adults they are meant for more.

How Do These Expectations Affect Us?

After hearing something over and over again, it gets imprinted on our minds. If I heard that I was ugly over and over again, regardless of if it was true or not, I would think that I was ugly. It is the same for expectations. If I am told that I can't do something over and over again, I'm going to start to believe I really can't do something. Minds are a powerful thing, and if we don't guard them to things of the world and look to the Bible, we can severely handicap ourselves.

So What Does the Bible Say About Expectations?

If we are supposed to protect our minds from everything other than what the Bible tells us, we need to know what the Bible has to say. When I was doing my research, I was shocked when I discovered how vocal God is about His young believers.

"Then said I:

'Ah, Lord God!

Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.'

But the Lord said to me:

'Do not say, 'I am a youth.'

For you shall go to all to whom I send you,

And whatever I command you, you shall speak..."

Jeremiah 1:6-7

Not only did both Jeremiah and Timothy start their ministry from youth, but God told them both not to despise that they were young. That they still could do great things. Imagine how many amazing things we could do if we start now while we are young!

How Will We Overcome the Expectations?

Even though the Bible says our age actually benefits us instead of hurts us, it is still easier said than done. Especially when people are naysaying around every corner. Brave the Battle is a great example of this. People can say that a group of teens and young adults cannot change the world, but I know and have seen proof that lives have been changed. God has used YOU to change a life. Never forget the wins God has accomplished though you, and treasure them in your heart for when the world comes at you. Satan wants nothing more than for you to believe that you can't do great things for God. Don't let those thoughts and the world weigh you down and prevent you from achieving amazing goals.

But... What Kind of Things can We do to Defy Expectations?

As a girl who dreams big, this was hard for me to figure out. Did I have to do something world changing every single day? Although the sentiment is nice, is that actually practical? As much as I might wish it, that isn't realistic at all. But what is very realistic is changing one person's world a day. Before you click out of this article, and roll your eyes at me, changing one person's world a day isn't hard.

Sometimes all it takes is a simple smile to change everything. By living every moment for Jesus, even when it is hard, you are choosing to do the hard thing. You are changing someone's day for the better. Maybe you see someone in need, say a kind word, ask someone how you can pray for them. By doing all those things, we can show someone love. But not just any love. Jesus's love.

We can change the world, and our age only helps us not hinders us. Especially when we share the gospel, our age is an asset. When someone sees a teen or young adult come up to them smiling, their first reaction is going to be confusion. They don't have the expectation of us showing that kind of love. We can use that outlook to our advantage, because most people will be so shocked that we are being loving, that they will keep listening to us.

I hope this encouraged you to know that with God, you can overcome any obstacles standing in your way from doing great things for God. If you have any thoughts, I'd love to see them below! Check out the Weekly Challenge which goes along with this article!

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