READ: PHILIPPIANS 3:17; TITUS 2:1-8; HEBREWS 10:24-25

I’m so thankful for the people God has placed in my life. He has this incredible way of working everything out to give us just what we need. He knows when I need support from someone. He knows when I can’t do it on my own. He knows exactly who to put in my path and when to bring them into my life.

There have been many times on my journey when God has brought godly people into my life—people who were older than me, farther along life’s journey than me. They could speak into the things I was going through with love, care, and truth.

We are not meant to walk this life alone. There is so much wisdom to be gained from people who have gone before us. They can provide a listening ear and share how God has shown up in their lives so we can look for Him in similar ways. They can warn us of the ways we should avoid and tell us what happens when we walk down a bad path. And even when we mess up, they can remind us of Jesus’s faithful love and forgiveness, and they can help us get back on the path of following Him.

I’m thankful for each one of these people who have mentored me. I also know that God has equipped me to mentor others—and He has equipped you too. Even as a teenager, you can be an example to someone who is younger than you. You may not realize it, but kids look up to you, and they’re already learning from watching you. You can pour into their lives by sharing experiences you’ve had and being someone they can turn to when things are difficult.

God can, and will, work through you to be a blessing in the lives of people who are younger than you, and He will also provide older mentors who can walk with you as you navigate unfamiliar territory. • Tynea Lewis

• As Christians, we know that Jesus is always with us, mentoring us. But how does it feel when you know there’s also someone else who will listen to you and help you when things are tough?

• Do you have any Christian adults in your life you look up to as mentors? If not, you can ask God to help you identify someone in the future.

• Who is someone you could intentionally pour into? Maybe it’s a younger teen from church, or a kid you babysit, or someone in your neighborhood? Consider taking a moment to pray for this person, and ask God to help you notice ways you could listen to them and encourage them.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)