On one hand, Christianity is highly glamorized: we're all obsessed with idea of Christianity as cute Bible verses, Hillsong lyrics and Bible journaling, but that's just not an authentic peek into the real life of a real Christian. Of course, we can have all three of those things (I know I do!), but it's just so much more than that. It's beautiful, freeing, fulfilling...yes, but it's also hard sometimes. Living life for Jesus is not always a walk in the park. ... and I've definitely learned that lesson recently. I've experienced the typical teasing and behind-your-back-talking of high school (Read more here), but I never thought I would lose a friend over my faith. And it's not even that they were just a school friend, an acquaintance, or someone who I hung out with a few times, they were one of my very best friends... one of 10 years. They were someone I told all my secrets to, someone who I always trusted. As time went on and we grew older, I was met with some pretty hard circumstances, and that's when I turned to the Lord. (Read more about my story here) From then on, I just grew closer and closer to Him, and farther and farther away from my friend. It wasn't that I chose to stop contacting them, but we were just slowly drifting away, and I didn't know why. We tried to salvage it a few times...promises were always made, but none were kept. We drifted farther away, however I still maintained my relationship with Jesus, and it only got stronger. Much time went by, about a year, and I started sensing something seriously wasn't right in our friendship. I didn't really know what it was, but I knew it was something. We still weren't talking, but I ended up finding out that they were uncomfortable with how much I talked about and prioritized my relationship with God, and they felt that I was trying to change who they were as a person. Obviously, they don't have the same beliefs as me, and I certainly wasn't trying to change them, but I understand why they might've felt that way. Nonetheless, I was crushed... they didn't want to be my friend anymore. I was crying for days, but at one point, I heard the Lord tell me that it was his plan for me. I heard Him remind me that I shouldn't keep people in my life who want to pull me away from Him or that don't encourage me to pursue Him. It was a reminder that He is all I need. (John 14:8) The whole situation not only reminded me of that, but God also opened my eyes to the hard truth of what life would be like for me, and what it is like for all Christians. We're counter-cultural. We don't buy into the lies of the media that are instituted by the devil. We live life set apart, making our every decision by the Word of God... checking with Him to know if what we're hearing lines up with His will for us. We don't believe in the things the world believes... and the world doesn't like that. They put labels on us, saying we're hateful. A lot of the time, we're demonized, persecuted for being different and choosing to live "the old-fashioned" way. "Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name." |
| |
0 Comments
Hello friends! Sorry no blog post last week... my computer crashed and I wasn't able to get it fixed until this past Monday! That's why I wasn't even able to send out an email! Sorry again, guys! ❤
We see it in television shows, movies, on social media, in class and at work: it just always seems like everyone is trying to figure out who they are. And you might be doing the same thing.... and the thing is: there's nothing wrong with that! However, in a culture where everyone is obsessed with being like everybody else, it's important to know who God says we are.
You are purposeful.
You may be thinking: what could God possibly have for little ol' me?
Well that, my friend is between you and God, but we know through the Word that He has a perfectly unique plan for each and every one of us.
Well that, my friend is between you and God, but we know through the Word that He has a perfectly unique plan for each and every one of us.
"'For I know the plans I have for you' says the Lord 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'"
(Jeremiah 29:11)
The best part about God's plan for us is that it's so unpredictable... but the good type of unpredictable. We know He is good and He is for us, so it's fun to wait for whatever He has next for us. It can be scary too, but we have to learn to trust Him even when it's tough (Click here for more). He's known what your life was going to look like forever! He tells us in His Word that:
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart..."
(Jeremiah 1:5)
You are strong.
Without God, we are weak, powerless, and surrendered to sin. One of the most quoted bible verses of all times puts it perfectly:
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
(Philippians 4:13)
With Christ, we have the power to overcome our sins, but also to find hope in situations that seem hopeless. Remembering God's promises to us makes us strong.
"But those who trust in the Lord shall have new strength; they will soar high on wings like eagles; they will run and not be weary; they will walk and not faint."
(Isaiah 40:31)
You are loved.
As Christians, we know the Gospel to be God's love story to humanity, and we know He loves us, but sometimes it's hard to wrap your head around the fact that He loves YOU! A good way to put this into perspective is to replace neutral pronouns in Bible verses with your name.
“For God so loved {your name}, that He gave His only Son, that [as] {he/she} believes in Him {he/she} should not perish but have eternal life."
(John 3:16)
"But God shows His love for {your name} in that while we {he/she} [is] still [a] sinner, Christ died for {him/her}."
(Romans 5:8)
It's almost impossible to explain how much God loves us. He says, “'I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness'" (Jeremiah 31:3). He will hold you in times of trouble.
You are His.
"'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'"
(Isaiah 43:1)
When we are born again in Christ, we are officially being born into the family of God. We are all sons and daughters of the One True King! Not only that, but when we accept Christ as our savior, we surrender our wills to Him, and let Him be the leader of our lives and allow Him to be in control. It's the best thing you can ever do: accept Jesus and let Him really be the Lord of your life. Knowing you're in the shelter of the Most High all the time is comforting. You are God's, and He will do anything to protect you from harm. Whenever you're afraid, you must remember that you are the son or daughter of the King of Kings.
As the famous Hillsong United song goes: "For I am Yours, and You are mine."
As the famous Hillsong United song goes: "For I am Yours, and You are mine."
"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—"
(John 1:12)
As you can see in the title, this is only part one: we have such a beautiful identity in Christ that it can't all be posted in one blog post (without it being 4 miles long 😁) God made us to be so many amazing things so that we can flourish in our lives here on Earth. Although we all have the same general identity in Christ: it's important to know that God identifies you specifically in a lovely and unique way.
Let me know in the comments: what lies has the enemy been telling you about who you are?
Let me know in the comments: what lies has the enemy been telling you about who you are?
Songs of the week:
In a world where the media and just about every person around us is trying to pry our faith from us, the idea of teenagers willingly wanting to be followers of Christ seems a bit unlikely. When adults think of teenagers, they usually think of trouble-makers or individuals who do without thinking. Those things are true of many teens: with the exception of true Christian teens. For them, or really, for us, it's a constant struggle to try to balance the fun of being a teenager with staying in line with God's wishes for us and our lives.
For the most part, teens delight in doing just about everything the bible condemns: drugs, alcohol (getting drunk), having sex before marriage, dressing provocatively, cursing, etc. Not a lot of teenagers value a relationship with Jesus, and being a Christian teen means having a lot of unpopular opinions, values and views.
Adolescence is the season of life when children break away from their parents and their guidance, wanting to be totally independent. When we give our lives to Jesus, we are called to be 100% dependent on Him which doesn't seem appealing to the teenage mind.
However, the biggest thing that pulls teens away from pursuing a relationship with Jesus is their fear of not fitting in or seeming weird. There's always that stereotypical "religious kid" portrayed in movies and/or TV series. In today's world, you're considered less intelligent and in some cases even less of a "good" person if you believe in God and the values of the Bible. It's scary to stand out of the crowd, especially as a teenage... But the Bible says we are a city on a hill! We're called to stand out! (Read more here ➻)
High school is a very judgmental place, but unrighteous judgment should never overpower our willingness to live out God's commands. No matter who you are, God is calling you to spread His love story.
For the most part, teens delight in doing just about everything the bible condemns: drugs, alcohol (getting drunk), having sex before marriage, dressing provocatively, cursing, etc. Not a lot of teenagers value a relationship with Jesus, and being a Christian teen means having a lot of unpopular opinions, values and views.
Adolescence is the season of life when children break away from their parents and their guidance, wanting to be totally independent. When we give our lives to Jesus, we are called to be 100% dependent on Him which doesn't seem appealing to the teenage mind.
However, the biggest thing that pulls teens away from pursuing a relationship with Jesus is their fear of not fitting in or seeming weird. There's always that stereotypical "religious kid" portrayed in movies and/or TV series. In today's world, you're considered less intelligent and in some cases even less of a "good" person if you believe in God and the values of the Bible. It's scary to stand out of the crowd, especially as a teenage... But the Bible says we are a city on a hill! We're called to stand out! (Read more here ➻)
High school is a very judgmental place, but unrighteous judgment should never overpower our willingness to live out God's commands. No matter who you are, God is calling you to spread His love story.
As I was finishing up my eighth grade year, I became more fearful than excited about starting high school. I remember expressing my worries about having to deal with peer pressure and those around me, but as I began actually going through my freshman year, I realized that as long as I clung to Jesus more than the world, everything would be okay. It shouldn't matter what people think of you if you're doing everything in your power to be more like the One who saved you. Others' sins shouldn't disturb your life... it creates a habit of judgement, something that many Christians, including myself, struggle with.
Adolescence is a time where teenagers try to find themselves....become the person they want to be or feel they are. But that's not how God designed life. The Bible tells us who we are. We find who God wants us to become through talking with Him.
Adolescence is a time where teenagers try to find themselves....become the person they want to be or feel they are. But that's not how God designed life. The Bible tells us who we are. We find who God wants us to become through talking with Him.
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you..."
(Jeremiah 1:5)
He knows you. He knows who you are. He knows who you will be.
But He also knows who everybody else is. He also knows who everybody else will be, but they're too busy stuck in their feelings to know that. They're too stuck thinking it's important to be who the world calls them to be. They don't know that God has that perfect plan for them, too.
But it's our job as Christians to help plant that seed of knowledge. To bring the Good News to them and let them know that God already knows who they are. To point out what it says in the Bible of who they are.
But He also knows who everybody else is. He also knows who everybody else will be, but they're too busy stuck in their feelings to know that. They're too stuck thinking it's important to be who the world calls them to be. They don't know that God has that perfect plan for them, too.
But it's our job as Christians to help plant that seed of knowledge. To bring the Good News to them and let them know that God already knows who they are. To point out what it says in the Bible of who they are.
It's hard to confront others, especially peers, about something so near and dear to your heart. (Click here for 7 ways to spread the Gospel ➻) It's hard to get to the point where you can say "I don't care what people think or say about me, I just wanna honor God" and truly mean it. It's something we all struggle with, especially being a teen in this anti-biblical culture, but when Jesus died on the cross, He didn't say that whoever follows Him will have an easy life. He never said that it would be easy to tell others about His sacrifice. The Bible talks about how difficult it will become for Christians to stand up for faith and spread it to others, but that clinging to God's Love will shelter us.
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?"
(Romans 8:35)
Though you may only be a teenager, don't let your age make you any less of a leader or preacher for Christ. A lot of teens use their not-so-smart actions to get attention. They set bad examples for those around them and bring them farther away from who they're called to be. However, teenage Christians should use their actions to bring people back to our purpose: glorifying God.
"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers [and nonbelievers] in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."
(1 Timothy 4:12)
"Teenagerhood" is a rough season of life. A lot of the time, it determines what kind of person you will be. For Christian teens, it should be used to grow closer to God: to pray to Him, to worship Him and to read His Word to find out the person you are in Christ, but to also to encourage others to do the same.
Let me know in the comments: what's the hardest thing for you to stand up against as Christian teen?
Also please fill out this survey to let me know how you're liking His Will | My Faith and what you'd like to see next!
Let me know in the comments: what's the hardest thing for you to stand up against as Christian teen?
Also please fill out this survey to let me know how you're liking His Will | My Faith and what you'd like to see next!
Songs of the week:
Check out Hillsong Young & Free! ➳
| |
Learn more about Jesus Christ ➳
Follow Jesus ➳
Read last post ➳
Leave a prayer request ➳
Shop my Etsy➳
We all go through tough times. Sometimes we don't have any sense of hope, and we feel like the world is falling from under our feet. Maybe you're not doing too well in school. Maybe you just ended a serious relationship. Maybe you're losing a friend. Maybe a loved one is sick. Maybe your home life isn't the best. Maybe you're battling depression or anxiety. Whatever you're going through, the most important thing is that you're handling it in the best way possible.
Many people try to self-medicate. They may think that alcohol or drugs will take away their pain, although all they really do is mask it for a little while and destroy their body, personality, and a lot of times... their life. Others feed into the lie that things can't get better, or that there simply just isn't any hope. The enemy likes to put doubt, fear, and desperation in your heart when you face hardship, whereas God will give you hope, unconditional Love and guidance. The best medication for pain is faith.
Being made in the image of God, (Genesis 1:27) we must learn to see things from His perspective. Though you may feel as though everything is going wrong, everything may be going perfect in His vision for your life. Only He knows what the plans are for you and what your future holds.
Many people try to self-medicate. They may think that alcohol or drugs will take away their pain, although all they really do is mask it for a little while and destroy their body, personality, and a lot of times... their life. Others feed into the lie that things can't get better, or that there simply just isn't any hope. The enemy likes to put doubt, fear, and desperation in your heart when you face hardship, whereas God will give you hope, unconditional Love and guidance. The best medication for pain is faith.
Being made in the image of God, (Genesis 1:27) we must learn to see things from His perspective. Though you may feel as though everything is going wrong, everything may be going perfect in His vision for your life. Only He knows what the plans are for you and what your future holds.
"'For I know the plans I have for you' says the Lord 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'"
(Jeremiah 29:11)
You may go through times in your life where you question why things are happening or why your problems won't just go away, but when you step back and look at everything as a whole, remember that God is in control of your life and that He has the final word.
Think of your life in this way: there is always a point of every story or every book where the main character goes through a trial, and they often don't have a sense of hope. However, by the end of the story, everything seems to work out, and sometimes the character even looks back on the trial and is grateful that it brought them to the point they're at in the end. After the character overcomes their hardship, they demonstrate growth. Before you were even born, God wrote your life story, as if He was writing a book. This time, you're the main character, and the author, God, wrote you into a trial, but at exactly the right time in the story, that is, your life story. God will bring you through tough times to help you grow as a person, as a believer and also to bring you closer to Him.
When I have troubles in my life, I like to remember the phrase, "God is on the throne." He is God over ALL! No matter how horrible your circumstances are, God is planning something bigger, better, and more beautiful than you could ever imagine. God works in mysterious ways!! He is so unpredictable, yet never-changing. He is such an almighty and righteous God. His name and presence is above everything: any problem of this earthly world. Trusting God is the key to overcoming circumstances you don't understand. You just have to trust that He is on the Throne.
God is your provider, your shield, your father, your healer. He will never leave you...ever. (Hebrews 13:5-6)
No matter what you go through, God will be holding your hand the whole time.
We have to deal with our troubles the way God instructs us to in order to overcome our circumstances and learn from them the way God intended us to.
Think of your life in this way: there is always a point of every story or every book where the main character goes through a trial, and they often don't have a sense of hope. However, by the end of the story, everything seems to work out, and sometimes the character even looks back on the trial and is grateful that it brought them to the point they're at in the end. After the character overcomes their hardship, they demonstrate growth. Before you were even born, God wrote your life story, as if He was writing a book. This time, you're the main character, and the author, God, wrote you into a trial, but at exactly the right time in the story, that is, your life story. God will bring you through tough times to help you grow as a person, as a believer and also to bring you closer to Him.
When I have troubles in my life, I like to remember the phrase, "God is on the throne." He is God over ALL! No matter how horrible your circumstances are, God is planning something bigger, better, and more beautiful than you could ever imagine. God works in mysterious ways!! He is so unpredictable, yet never-changing. He is such an almighty and righteous God. His name and presence is above everything: any problem of this earthly world. Trusting God is the key to overcoming circumstances you don't understand. You just have to trust that He is on the Throne.
God is your provider, your shield, your father, your healer. He will never leave you...ever. (Hebrews 13:5-6)
No matter what you go through, God will be holding your hand the whole time.
We have to deal with our troubles the way God instructs us to in order to overcome our circumstances and learn from them the way God intended us to.
"'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
(Isaiah 43:1-2)
Jesus Christ Himself even endured pain: not only physically on the cross, but He experienced extremely painful feelings when He realized it was time to sacrifice Himself for humanity. Scripture even goes as far as to say that "He began to be sorrowful and troubled." (Matthew 26:37) He pleaded to God, "'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.'... Again, for the second time, He went away and prayed, 'My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, Your will be done'" (Matthew 26:39,42).
The bible clearly states that Jesus indeed felt sorrowful, but it also states that He trusted God even when it was the hardest thing to do. Note how Jesus says "Your will be done" and denies His own will. This shows humility and surrender... He trusted God's plan over His own. Imagine if Jesus didn't trust God and decided to end His sorrow by abandoning His purpose of dying on the cross for us. Where would we be now?
As followers of Christ, we are called to live as He did and mimic His actions because we know He lived a perfect, Holy life! Just as Jesus demonstrated, it's so important for us to trust God in the midst of pain. We will never know why God puts us in these hard places unless we take up our own cross and trust God all the way through. He might just surprise you in the end!!
The bible clearly states that Jesus indeed felt sorrowful, but it also states that He trusted God even when it was the hardest thing to do. Note how Jesus says "Your will be done" and denies His own will. This shows humility and surrender... He trusted God's plan over His own. Imagine if Jesus didn't trust God and decided to end His sorrow by abandoning His purpose of dying on the cross for us. Where would we be now?
As followers of Christ, we are called to live as He did and mimic His actions because we know He lived a perfect, Holy life! Just as Jesus demonstrated, it's so important for us to trust God in the midst of pain. We will never know why God puts us in these hard places unless we take up our own cross and trust God all the way through. He might just surprise you in the end!!
"'You don't understand what I am doing now, but someday you will.'"
(John 13:7)
If you're going through a tough time, ask God to help you trust Him. When you feel like there's no hope, remember that God has a plan for you! Develop the habit of whispering "Jesus, I trust You" whenever your soul is overcome with pain. You WILL endure! Christ will bring you through!!
If you've been going through a tough time or have been struggling with something and would like some prayers, you can submit your requests here.
Much love,
If you've been going through a tough time or have been struggling with something and would like some prayers, you can submit your requests here.
Much love,
Scripture to remember:
- "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
- "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)
- "May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!" (Psalm 20:1)
- "'For I know the plans I have for you' says the Lord 'they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'" (Jeremiah 29:11)
- "'You don't understand what I am doing now, but someday you will.'"(John 13:7)
- "We have sufferings now, but these are nothing compared to the great glory that will be given to us." (Romans 8:18)
Songs of the week:
| |
| |
Learn more about Jesus Christ ➳
Follow Jesus ➳
Leave a prayer request ➳
Shop my Etsy➳
Leave a Comment ➳
About the Author
Hi! I'm Angie! I'm a college student, worship leader, pro-life advocate, future teacher, youth ministry intern, and above all else, follower of Jesus Christ. I would love to get to know you!
Read more ➳
Read by Topic
All
Bible Study
Evangelism
Every Day Life
Feminism
Godly Womanhood
Hope
Identity
Just For Fun
Relationship With God
Sin & Redemption
Archives
July 2021
August 2020
July 2020
April 2020
March 2020
January 2019
November 2018
August 2018
March 2018
January 2018
November 2017
October 2017
September 2017
August 2017
July 2017