They were all speaking well of Him and were amazed by the gracious words that came from His mouth, yet they said, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” (Luke 4:22)

Have you ever noticed how we expect big things from important, well-known people (and aren’t the least bit surprised by it), but don’t expect “regular” people to have anything important to say or do? That’s how the people felt about Jesus when He began His ministry – He was intelligent and well spoken … but how could such a smart guy come from such regular parents? Wasn’t He just the guy who grew up in Nazareth? How’d He learn so much?

We do the same thing to others and you might even notice people doing it to you. Is there something that sets you apart from other girls your age? Does your relationship with Christ shine through so that you have that “special something” they sometimes talk about? We hope so because we’re Christians – we’re supposed to be different from the rest of the world. But sometimes the world doesn’t expect special things from teenage girls, which means they could be shocked or unbelieving when they see the difference in you.

If that ever happens, don’t let it bring you down. Remember this verse from Luke and know that even Jesus had people wondering about how smart and good He was (and He was an adult!). Then flip over to 1 Timothy 4:12 and read Paul’s words to Timothy:

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

Be your special self this week and don’t let other people say you can’t do something for God just because you’re young. God can take any ordinary girl and make her an extraordinary servant for Him. That promise is just for you, and it’s one you can hold on to, every day, no matter what.