Today we begin reading the book of 1 Timothy, which is a letter Paul wrote to Timothy as an encouragement for the struggles he faced serving the early Church. Timothy was young and struggled with a timid and reserved nature. He sometimes allowed others to look down on his youthfulness. Youthfulness should never be an excuse for ineffectiveness in the Church or anywhere else. Just as those who are older should not be given authority just because of their advanced age. All authority is given by God and our ability to serve Him comes from His power and given ability. None of us are perfect, but our inadequacies and inabilities should not keep us from being available to serve God in any way He directs. We should be thankful that we never stand alone and that He is always with us. Praise God for His constant presence in our lives.