Everyone is looking for some encouraging news these days. The world around us is changing by the moment and teenagers especially, are feeling the pressures of “life” caving in around them. Many are searching for ‘encouragement’, and relief from all the pressures. Family, friends, school, work; the pressures are enormous! Where is the relief…?

Be encouraged!!! God is aware of your circumstances. And He has created you for such a time as this. You are not here on this earth, at this time, by accident… but rather by divine appointment. God has equipped you with the necessary ‘weapons’ to fight in this battle of “life”. The world around us looks different today than it did in the past; however, God is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Heb.13:8) The same God that appointed young David to fight the giant Goliath, and gave him the victory with nothing more than a slingshot and 5 stones, is the same God that has appointed YOU to fight the ‘Goliath’s of this age’! (If you are not familiar with this story, read 1Samuel 17) Young David took his stand against the giant, trusting in the power of his God, and used what was in his hands to defeat the giant before him and won the battle.

What does the giant(s) in your life look like? Does it look like, depression, rejection, cutting, addictions, broken relationships, academic challenges, the list goes on… Whatever the enemy has placed before you is not too big for you to fight against when God is on your side. If God is for you, who can be against you! (Rms. 8:31) Take up your slingshot ~ the word of God, prayer, worship, and praise! Stand strong against the schemes of the enemy. God’s word tells you… “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)

Be encouraged!!! You are more than a conqueror through Christ who strengthens you. (Rms 8:37) Your age is not a factor; Your God is the common denominator when it comes to winning the battle. Do not fear. Take up your slingshot and fight against the giants in your life, do not allow the giants to intimidate you. David was not intimidated, you need not be either! David was not in the battle field by accident, and neither are you… You are here by divine appointment…to defeat the giant and WIN the battle!

Being emotional is part of being a teenage girl! Recently, I was in a conversation with a young lady and she was expressing her thoughts over a situation in her life. It was very clear to me that she was reacting out of  “fear”, although it was apparent she was not aware of this, as she was overwhelmed by her emotions. After we talked for a while, and I asked her some questions, it became clear to her that “fear” was at the center of her problem.

Fear can disguise itself in many ways. Making bad decisions to take drugs or drink alcohol is often made out of the ‘fear of not being accepted’. Agreeing to have sexual relationships before you are married is often rooted in the ‘fear of not being loved’. Rebelling against authority, (parents/teacher/law enforcement), is often rooted in the ‘fear of being controlled’. Staying in relationships with girlfriends who disrespect you is often rooted in the ‘fear of being alone’.

If  ‘fear’ is controlling how you are making decisions, the only effective weapon you have to overcome this is “FAITH”. Faith in God and his love for you. Faith in God’s perfect plan for your life. If you keep your eyes on Jesus and not on your emotions your faith will become stronger than your fears.

The benefits to living a life of  faith and not fear are many! First you will experience God’s peace in your life, and you will avoid the pitfalls that fear will eventually lead you into. God’s word says, “I have not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind”. (2 Tim. 1:7) Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be trouble and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

Take time to be honest with yourself and ask yourself this question… “Am I making decisions because I am fearful”? A life based on faith is powerful, a life based in fear is destructive…YOU choose!