16 November | Teens
«I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need…. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.» Philippians 4:12-13
What's your favorite sport? Imagine you're an athlete at an important competition. You're trying your hardest, but you're tired and about to give up. Then someone comes to your side (a coach or a teammate) and says words of encouragement, giving you all the strength and determination you need. With this help, you now feel able to carry on and overcome all obstacles.
In the same way, when we face difficulties in life, we may feel that we don't have the strength to go on. But Paul reminds us that, with God's help, we can find strength even in the most challenging situations. He shares a powerful secret that helped him face all of life's challenges: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” What a wonderful text, isn't it?
It's as if God is by our side, strengthening us and encouraging us to persevere. This doesn't mean that we can do anything we want, regardless of the circumstances. It means that, with faith in God, we can face adversity and overcome it. We can find the strength to endure, grow and learn, no matter what is happening around us.
Take Action
This week, challenge yourself to overcome obstacles like a true athlete. Choose a sport or physical activity that you enjoy, such as cycling or swimming, and set yourself a challenging goal, such as increasing your distance or improving your performance. Just like an athlete, you can overcome challenges with determination. Reflect on how faith can be an extra boost in your quest to excel.