2 Timothy 1:7 - For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.

This time each year, the world receives a new batch of hopeful youths setting off on the adventure we call life, ready to take on the world and make it better. It is in everyone’s best interests that we who have gone before do all we can to lift them up and encourage them to do the best they can to achieve whatever goals they have set for themselves. Most of them have lived very sheltered lives and may not understand there are hungry wolves out there who can devour them in one gulp if the young ones allow it. But as Paul said to Timothy, they should not ever be afraid when they know that the Lord is with them. He has plans for them neither they nor we realize, plans to grow and prosper them when their walk is with Him. Wait - hold on a second ... Is this advice only for those from ages 18 to 22? Or could it be that we should all pay very close attention to this counsel, whether we are 9, 99 or anywhere in between? God is always with His children. It is we who do the straying from His flock and put ourselves in danger. For our benefit, and therefore for our Father’s as well, we need to step out in faith and remember the words Paul sent to Timothy and Moses told Joseph: We are not to be timid and fearful but be brave and courageous. God will take care of us wherever we go. Just because we graduated years ago does not mean we are done.