Not Strong Enough

[changedbychrist]

So school is getting ready to start, and I'm kind of freaked out. The thing is, I'm a new christian. I was saved this summer at church camp. I've had a lot of trials with my family not being christian, and I've barely survived them. And now at school, more trials are headed my way. The guy I like isn't a christian, and it's really easy for me to not act like a christian in order to impress him. And then there is this not-so-new new kid named Gavin who went to school with me three years ago and now he's moving back. He's an atheist. I really want his friendship, but I know that isn't possible. And to top it all off, all the people who claim to be christians at my school are only christians on Sundays and Wednesdays. So I won't have any encouragement from them. I'm just scared that I'm not strong enough to continue to pick up my cross daily and follow Christ with all of this.

 

[PopClick]

Well, it might sound overly simplified, but I think that in many ways, we are as strong as we want to be. It says in the bible that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to bear, so if you really truly set your mind to resisting a certain behavior, you can absolutely do it. Of course it is much easier to say this than to actually do it. But that verse talks about some of our freedom from sin that Jesus gave us when He died. We are free to follow Him, instead of our flesh.

About liking a non-Christian guy. I know it's really hard and it hurts, but if you're ready to do this, I think it would help to give the whole situation to God. The fact that you are trying to impress the guy and worrying about staying on the straight and narrow path kind of sounds like you're trying to control things to achieve the outcome that you want (the guy liking you back.) I really think it would help to ask God to take control of the situation, and make His desired outcome happen. It probably sounds scary, because it is. But it might help to remember that God's ways are always better than ours, He truly does want the best for us, and He is trustworthy. You can give Him your heart, your mind, your entire life and I promise that He will make something better from it all than you (or I, or anyone) could ever make out of our lives on our own.

He loves you, girl! Jesus seriously loves you. And so there is always a reason when the bible says "thou shalt not" do something. It's to keep you from being hurt. He's not making rules to keep you from having fun or anything like that. He wants to protect you from all kinds of pain and difficulty. He's the best Dad ever, and you can absolutely trust Him with everything. I have asked Him to help me trust Him more, and I believe that He did. I will pray for you too, that you will know that you have life through Him, and have it more abundantly.

 

[Willie-T]

So school is getting ready to start, and I'm kind of freaked out. The thing is, I'm a new christian. I was saved this summer at church camp. I've had a lot of trials with my family not being christian, and I've barely survived them. And now at school, more trials are headed my way. The guy I like isn't a christian, and it's really easy for me to not act like a christian in order to impress him. And then there is this not-so-new new kid named Gavin who went to school with me three years ago and now he's moving back. He's an atheist. I really want his friendship, but I know that isn't possible. And to top it all off, all the people who claim to be christians at my school are only christians on Sundays and Wednesdays. So I won't have any encouragement from them. I'm just scared that I'm not strong enough to continue to pick up my cross daily and follow Christ with all of this.

You simply "live it" understanding that you are not asked to "prove it, nor "defend it" to anyone. It's the way you have chosen, and you needn't think you are required to impose it upon anyone else.

God is more than strong enough to get you through the whole school year.

 

[pwrnJC]

You have the holy spirit within you now.. Utilize HIM! Do not try to impress others. Live your life as JESUS would have you live. You have the victory here. Are you saying that you are now ashamed of the step you took at church camp? Oh my.....JESUS said "If ye cannot profess ME before men, I will not profess YOU before my Father". This does not mean that you are to start this personal crusade and start pointing out all the "BAD" things that occur in school, home, etc. If means that you ride the waves high, not participating in the 'UGLY" chitchat, silly little insignificant put downs, drugs, peer presures and naughty things of the past. Let the Holy Spirit lead you to your future date and soul mate. DID you ever think that he may not be in school with you? GOd has high plans and high hopes for YOU, personally. Start seeking young men who have the same interests in their spiritual growth...in other words, be friends with those who are NOT CHRISTIAN..but as far as boyfriends and dates are concerned.....take the High ROAD and never try to impress. Your CHRISTIAN stance will IMPRESS the right one to come along..it happened to me that way.

 

[kingerik]

So school is getting ready to start, and I'm kind of freaked out. The thing is, I'm a new christian. I was saved this summer at church camp. I've had a lot of trials with my family not being christian, and I've barely survived them. And now at school, more trials are headed my way. The guy I like isn't a christian, and it's really easy for me to not act like a christian in order to impress him. And then there is this not-so-new new kid named Gavin who went to school with me three years ago and now he's moving back. He's an atheist. I really want his friendship, but I know that isn't possible. And to top it all off, all the people who claim to be christians at my school are only christians on Sundays and Wednesdays. So I won't have any encouragement from them. I'm just scared that I'm not strong enough to continue to pick up my cross daily and follow Christ with all of this.

Here's some advice from a teen your exact age. First congrats on being saved, you're eternal salvation is something to rejoice and party about. Second Read your bible and pray as often as you humanly can because they will be where you draw your strength from. Third if you have to act like somebody you're not, they aren't worth it, be yourself and follow God and the right guy will follow. God will send him if it is in his will. As far as your family goes, be the light, show them how happy and joyful it is to be a christian. Sometimes the best work you can do for your family is being the light they see everyday through example. As far as Gavin goes, if he wants to debate about Christ and doesn't respect your faith then you don't need to be his friend but if you can have intelligent and stimulating conversations about faith and God while respecting each others beliefs then it's okay.

There are usually a couple of christians at your school. you might just need to search for them. If anything you have us here at CC, and there some great teens here.

Don't be scared but pray... that God would lead you to someone that would help you, and the Holy spirit lives inside of you now. He will help you live right and holy. Don't be afraid.