Day 10 - You Can Do Infinitely More Than You Believe You Can

Letters to my teenage self 

A Devotional for Trauma Survivors 

Day 10 - You Can Do Infinitely More Than You Believe You Can

Dear teenage self, 

You can do infinitely more than you believe you can. Stop allowing others to dictate your ability, worth, and level of intelligence. Teenagers will often underachieve to fit in. You were never meant to fit in. You were born to stand out, and that's not bad. 

Say no when your friends ask you to hang out and do things you know you're not supposed to do. No is a complete answer. You owe them nothing else. When you're reading your Bible in the hallway, and kids walk by, making fun of you, keep reading. Don't answer their taunts. You're doing nothing wrong. 

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 

+2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

So often, you're afraid that if you say no, you won't have any more friends and will be all alone. Is that really true? Or will the bad company simply stop influencing you, and God will send His people into your life to befriend you? Do you not trust the God of the universe to provide what you need and set things right? It doesn't all fall on your shoulders, dear one. 

Sometimes, you start a really big project that will benefit your present and future, but when someone questions your ability or your process, you give up and abandon the project. You do this out of fear that you are already doomed to fail. How do you know unless you complete the project? Maybe you needed this for more than just the end result. Try again. 

Let's Pray

Heavenly Father, I go with the flow of those around me far too often because I am afraid of opposition. I'm afraid of being made fun of, left behind, and alone. In the midst of submitting to peer pressure, I'm sinning against You by not doing the things You have asked me to do. I am sorry, Lord. Please show me the changes I need to make in my life and open doors for new and healthier friends to come into my life. Thank You for giving me a spirit of power, love, and sound mind to do what You've called me to do. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. 

Floor 102 of the Empire State Building. 04/14/2024 
Another thing you thought you could never do, but you did.

Stay tuned for another episode. See you next time! And remember, if you or a loved one is in danger, get help immediately, and don't stop talking until someone acts on your words.

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In Christ alone our hope is found

Run, don't walk for help! You're worth it.