Singer Alicia Keys released “Girl on Fire” in 2012, and the song quickly became a hit.
Today Florida teenager Aidan Smith could serve as the inspiration for a slightly different song, “Boy on Fire.” What is he on fire for? The Lord.
Although only 18, Aidan Smith has known the Lord for years. He grew up in church with a pastor for a father and a mother who sings, the church became his second home. As a child, he looked forward to going to church early on Sundays with his parents so he could “run around.”
Knowing Jesus from an early age, Aidan started with a “childlike faith.” In middle school, though, he said his faith became “real.” His participation in a church life group with students his own age fueled that change. The group leader for his 8th grade year made such an impact that Aidan thought, “I want to be like him.” As a result, he became more serious about prayer.
The following year, Aidan joined a life group for high schoolers at his church in Niceville. He learned valuable lessons about accountability, unity with brothers in Christ, and how to love others well. As he continued to grow in knowledge about Christianity, Aidan lived out his faith in social interactions. He never shied away from talking to anyone about the Lord, believers or not.
Although some of his fellow high school students were strong believers, many were either lukewarm in their faith or were atheists. Aidan especially loved conversations with unbelievers. He discerned they were missing something in their lives, and his desire was to get past “the façade of their unbelief’’ and share about Jesus who can fill every void.
Also during high school, Aidan was a middle school boys’ group leader, worked in Vacation Bible School, and led worship for the church’s high schoolers. He interned with the church’s creative arts team as well.
A huge step now looms for Aidan. He’s in college at Samford University committed to focus on faith before academics. He aims to get plugged into a good church, one with a strong theological basis. Aidan also desires to make friends in the faith. Being in a life group is a priority. “If I can’t find one, I’ll start one,” he said.
Aidan plans to major in biblical studies with a minor in business. His goal is to work in ministry. Whether that ministry takes the form of being a pastor, a worship leader, or some other role, he is set on this path a solid “10 out of 10.” He says firmly, “Whatever the Lord wants me to do, I’ll do it.”
This certainty in part comes from a conversation he had with his dad during his junior year of high school about Aidan considering the ministry as a career path.
Taking his father’s suggestion seriously, Aidan prayed for direction and studied the book of Exodus. He prayed for God to make him a leader like Moses. Suddenly, a friend who was unaware of Aidan’s study of Exodus asked if he could pray for Aidan. During that prayer, God spoke to Aidan through his friend who asked God to make Aidan “a leader like Moses.” With that green light from God, the path to ministry, in whatever form God directs, is what Aidan is pursuing.
Without even having a platform yet, Aidan offers a powerful message. “Learn to love the name of Jesus.” The Savior is faithful, comforting, and loving. Power is in His name and in His blood. When Aidan isn’t sure what to pray for in a situation, the words he speaks are simply, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.”
