Colors of Faith

Growing up during the teen years can be rough. When you look around at other teens, it seems as though they have it all together. I assure you that they are struggling with the same emotions that you are, no matter how together they appear to be.

I really wish that you could go out into the world and not have to face any problems. That is what most people want, but it is not God’s plan. Did you know that when we face problems and trials, our personality grows stronger. One scripture says, "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when test and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith life is forced into the open and shows its true colors." James 1:2 (Message Bible)

What colors are your faith? Are they like the blue sky in spring with the smell of fresh flowers in the air. Or are they more like the black fury of a violent thunderstorm. If you are not handling your problems in the right attitude, your faith is not growing well.

Another scripture says that we continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us...Romans 5:3 (Message) If you never had any problems, your patience would never grow. You would turn out to be a spoiled, inpatient, demanding, neurotic person. You would want everything to go your way. You could never have true friends because no one would feel comfortable around you.

My wife and I have five daughters. We are there for them whenever they have a problem. Yet we cannot make the things they face disappear. We teach them the godly way to handle these things, and pray that they will make the right decisions. We do not allow them to do anything dangerous, and try to always be a godly example for them. (Did you notice that I underlined "try.") In spite of all we do for them, the time will come when they will have to show the colors of their faith by dealing with these problems.

I really do understand that facing the dreaded peer group can be quite stressful. It is tough having principles that forces you to be different. I know that it makes you feel bad when someone makes fun of your freckles, your teeth, or your hair. But you must keep in mind that none of those things determine the kind of person you are becoming. The important thing is how you handle the problems you face.

So do not try and run away from your problems. Instead you should learn from your problems by allowing them to bring out the true colors of your faith.

Edmund Brown