“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life.” -James 1:12
Ever feel like the world is stacked against you? Your day was fine until some jerk cut you off on the highway. Then an ornery cop pulled you over and slapped you with a speeding ticket, and on top of that, your ruthless chemistry teacher pulled a pop quiz. Goodbye,… Read More »No Excuses: A Challenge to Own Your Problems
True or false: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Ever since Kelly Clarkson popularized that line in song, it’s become a motto of resilience for those battling a trial. The assumption is, if you survive whatever it is you’re dealing with, you’ll be stronger and better than before. If… Read More »How to Build Rock-Solid Faith When God Stirs the Coals
Being a Christian teen is tough. You want to fit in, but then your peers start talking about the latest blockbuster and you find yourself awkwardly nodding along because you haven’t seen it. You’re the only one who has to skip the Sunday morning basketball tournament because of church. And… Read More »Being a Christian Teen is Insanely Difficult—Let Psalm 119 Help
Welcome to a brand new year! Are you excited about the next twelve months? Do you have big plans, perhaps a graduation or an exciting spring break trip? A move from high school to college, or from college to the big world? For some of you, the flip of the… Read More »No Fear of the New Year: God Holds Your Future
Fog is a fascinating phenomenon. In the Driftless Region of Wisconsin—an area known for high bluffs and steep valleys—fog can drastically alter perspective. You wake up to a bright, sunny morning on top of the hill, then drive to the edge and find an ocean of thick white surrounds you… Read More »Seek the Lord and He Will Be Found By You
Do you feel insignificant? Unspecial? Useless? You’e not alone but that feeling is a lie. Don’t take my word for it, however. Find the evidence in this collection of Bible verses for when you feel worthless. Write them down, set them on your nightstand, tape them to your mirror, stamp… Read More »8 Bible Verses For When You Feel Worthless
Part 2 of Mental Toughness for Christian Teens They’re comfortable being uncomfortable and they stand out everywhere they go. Those are the characteristics of mentally tough Christians, as discussed in Part 1: Let’s Get Uncomfortable. But there’s one more roadblock that prevents indestructible faith, and it starts with facing another… Read More »Indestructible Faith: How to Toughen Up For Hard Times
When I hear the phrase “mental toughness,” I envision a soldier trained to encounter the worst of mankind in the worst of conditions. The U.S. Navy SEALs are known for this. Typically called upon to take out high-value targets or gather intelligence behind enemy lines, SEALs operate in maritime, jungle,… Read More »Let’s Get Uncomfortable: Mental Toughness for Christian Teens