Today we begin a new message series called “Stages of Life.” There are five distinct stages of life that most people pass through. Each life stage has different challenges and rewards. As each stage is unique, the transitions from one stage to another can often be stressful. The good news is that God is there to strengthen and guide us through each stage.
Isaiah 46:3b-4 (ESV) “Listen to me, [you] have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.
God knew you in your mother’s womb and He promises to be with each believer through every stage of your life. The first life stage is from childhood through the teen years, when a person is living with their parents. The second life stage is the young adult stage in a person’s twenties. In this stage, important decisions on career and marriage are often made.
The third life stage is the adult years in a person’s thirties through fifties. In this stage, children are raised and careers are advanced. The fourth life stage is the senior years of the sixties and seventies. In the senior years, many people retire.
The fifth and last life stage is the end of life stage in the eighties plus years. In this last stage, we face our mortality, prepare for eternity and leaving a legacy. God has promised that as we follow Him, He will be with us through each life stage.
Everyone of us is in one of these five stages. Some have a lot of stages ahead of them, others have more stages behind. However, as we talk about each stage, think not only about the stage you’re in. If you’re younger, think about the future stages that you will go through. And think about how you can appreciate and encourage those who are in the older stages. If you’re older, these messages will help you understand and encourage those who are in the younger stages.
Today’s message is entitled “Growing Up.” We’re going to be talking about the first stage, which takes a child through their teen years. The pressures and temptations of this stage has increased dramatically in recent years. But God is there to help teenagers resist those pressures and live for Him. God desires for those of us who are older, to better understand what today’s teenagers are facing. So that, we can encourage them and lead them in the right direction for God. So let’s look at God’s Word for direction for those who are in this first life stage of Growing Up.