16 Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believerbut whose father was a Greek. 2 The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. 3 Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, Acts 16
Timothy was already a disciple and had a believing Jewish mother when Paul came to Derbe and Lystra. This is the first time we hear of Timothy in the Word and it was in connection with Paul — it set the course of his future life. Young people especially, should never underestimate the value of growing up in loving Christian homes and having Christian friends.
1 Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the one who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather. Psalm 1:1 Amplified Classic Bible (AMPC)
1 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow evil men’s advice, who do not hang around with sinners, scoffing at the things of God. 2 But they delight in doing everything God wants them to, and day and night are always meditating on his laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely. Psalm 1 The Living Bible (TLB)
I look back on my own life and see the influence of Godly men and women whom I met at different stages of my Christian walk. Even with the good counsel and encouragement I received, it was still so easy to wander from the right path. The enemy attacks the youth to try and get them unto his paths of destruction, before they can find the Lord’s way for them. Young people are in great need of our prayers to find God’s direction and purpose for their lives.
6 For the Lord knows and is fully acquainted with the way of the righteous, Psalm 1 AMPC
6 For the Lord watches over all the plans and paths of godly men, Psalm 1 TLB
The good news is that God watches over the path of His loved ones. Timothy was already a disciple when he met Paul, but it was then that he began to walk out God’s Call on his life.
I believe that God gives many opportunities in a life for people to turn to him, for example in the parable of the Prodigal Son, the Father was watching and waiting for the son to turn to him. He’s always waiting to receive us in love and forgiveness when we turn to Him.
May God bless and keep you today.