For Such A Time As This

by William Raposo, LAUNCHee Coordinator

As I look back on this past year there is a date that stands out to me when I think of an example of youth leading. Where were you on January 5, 2010 at 8:00 pm? I was glued to the television watching one of the most anticipated events that many Canadians wait for all year. The final gold medal match of the World Junior Hockey Championships where Canada was once again fighting for world supremacy. This year Canada would be playing the USA and try to extent their winning streak of the tournament for the sixth consecutive year . There is no doubt that these Canadian players know and feel the expectations of the whole nation. This tournament is an opportunity for the world to see the future of what the National Hockey League will have to offer in terms of great players. Watching teenagers all under the age of 20 with this tremendous responsibility upon their shoulders is really exciting.

Yet in so many ways the opposite occurs – how in so many different contexts society is reluctant to give youth the responsibility to lead, with the exception of the army of course. We have this perception that leadership should only be given to those that are mature and that have significant experience to handle the position they are given. People have very low expectations for youth in our culture which suggests that being a teen is like being on vacation, very care free with no sense of reliability. Let’s leave leading for the big people! I believe that when youth are given the opportunities to lead and follow through, they will surprise us.

The story of Esther from the Bible seems very fitting here. At such a young age she had to assume such courageous leadership. Having the burn of saving her people and risking her life to uncover the truth, how would she respond? Would she be indifferent and ignore what God was asking of her or would she answer the call? Esther was smart enough to know that she needed people by her side to help her make the right decisions, someone to coach her. This someone was Mordicai, who helped her understand what her role was and how God desired to use her for such a time as this. Certainly an enormous task for a young person, yet there is no doubt that God had chosen Esther for something significant.

Could it be that if we spoke to our youth with words that challenged them to rise up to the occasion, they would accomplish much more than what we anticipate? Young people need coaches and mentors who will pour into their lives and help them discover how God is calling them to lead in our world today and to ask the question “what time is it?” and firmly answer back to them that this is their time to hear the call, their time to lead the way and their time bring forth the kingdom of God.

In case you did not remember and were curious, Canada lost in overtime 6-5. They played with heart and they did a great job winning the silver medal.