As a teen who knows and loves God, It is a very healthy desire to want to identify what divine purpose we are called to fulfill (if we don't yet know) and the various expressions of these purposes on the Earth.
Also, it is not out of place to be inspired by the lives of other fellow believers and what they do.
But then at times, things do not run at our pace and such is the very reason for lamentations like: having the journal full of wonderful ideas, but reality is so far from what is desired.
It might even be that the same thing we want is what peers get thrown at them, maybe not thrown but compared to our rigour, it's a cheap chase.
Sometimes, watching your very friend get it so easily while you're there, doing what?
Statistically, nothing can truthfully be a pain in the heart.
Yes, everything can look so dark and slow that not even the moon seems to glow.
What then should a teenager do?
How can he/she overcome the pressures from this reality?
Practical ways to overcome pressure from peers
1. A teenager must have a clear cut understanding of his purpose and stick with the Lord.
Understanding what we are here to do saves us from very many unnecessary struggles and hassels. Just because a thing is good or trending does not mean we should hop on it.
We must come to the place of discernment of what are the Majors and Minors of our lives and channel our energy appropriately.
It is by doing this that we come to the place of contentment and being immovable by whatever is mounting pressure on the outside.
A very good illustration is by contrasting David and Joseph.
Both are young men destined to be great, however one has a dream that he related with his family and probably some friends while playing hide n seek.
One in a snap of a finger became the talk of the Town after killing a national threat of a giant.
The other kept going from dry well to slavery, from slavery to prison.
How do you think Joseph would have felt if David used to be his next door neighbor?
It is our understanding of our purpose that creates restraint against every negative energy and lurings that can come from peers and circles.
Afterall, it is a vision that we have knowledge of, we can hope and wait for it's manifestation just as it is written in Habakkuk 2:2-3 (NKJV)
[2]Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it.
[3]For [the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.
After gaining adequate understanding of purpose, there is a need to acknowledge God.
"In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."
Proverbs 3:6 (NKJV)
2. Change your circle
Evil communication they say, corrupts good manners.
When you walk with the wise, you become wiser.
If your supposed friends are not contributing to your growth and success why not change 'em?
There is no concord whatsoever between light and darkness.
Surround yourself with people who are like minded and purposeful.
Check what scripture says:
For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.
Proverbs 24:6 (NKJV)
These are wholesome words and truths founded on God's word.
By applying our hearts to them, we can be too sure that we'll be victorious over every form of pressure or challenges associated with a teen.
Remain victorious!
Post a Comment