So do not throw away your confidence… "My righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him." -Hebrews 10: 35-38
A very long time ago, I was on the phone with a friend who had a very sweet voice. As we talked, I noticed my own voice become softer and sweeter. Great qualities, but I was pretending. It's one thing to admire the positive qualities other people have, and something altogether different to mirror a behavior that wasn't meant to be mine at all. The same goes for negative behaviors and actions, too.
Why is it so easy to give in to peer pressure? As a young person, your identity is taking shape more than any other time in your life. It can be a fragile thing - but it doesn't have to be. If you've trusted in Jesus as your Savior, you can have confidence that He has created you with a temperament and personality that was meant to bring Him glory. He wants you to be yourself. Another thing is true, as well. He wants you to live a life that will be a blessing to Him and to others. Don't shrink back! When you know you can rely on the love that God has for you, and the plan He has for your life, you won't have to give in to the pressure of being like the world around you. I'm praying that He will build in you a confidence that will not be shaken, and that you will hold on to the confidence you have in Him!
Prayer…
Dear Lord, help me to live honestly. I'm excited to see the young woman you're making me to be. I want to live a life that pleases You. Help me to make good friends, and to resist peer pressure that would make be fake or foolish. I love You, Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Now what?...
What sort of pressure are you up against?
What threatens to shatter your confidence?
What ways can you take a stand against being fake or foolish? - Ask God to help!
More time…
For You have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth. -Psalm 71:5
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. -2Chronicles 16:9
He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. -Proverbs 13:20
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will. -Romans 12:2
No comments:
Post a Comment