Christian Devotional for Teenagers

Part 27- Prayer Works

"The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me." Matthew 11:5-6

---The Bible text I chose for this devotional is from a significant story written in the gospel. A story of how one of Jesus' faithful followers was beheaded just miles away from where Jesus was preaching. John the Baptist was an influential person and he received the respect, and unfortunately the hatred, of many. Jesus' cousin paved the way for the Lord as he spoke of the Messiah. John was taken captive by Harod, the king, and was killed for his sermons. Jesus loved John very much, and yet he did not rescue him from prison. John sat in his cell and when his disciples came to visit him he pleaded with them to ask Jesus of his absence. Jesus replied the text above. ---

As school starts everyone has the night and morning jitters from the anxiety and nervousness. I experienced the same as another year of high school began for me. I read my devotional that morning and the past week had exposed myself to positivity online and books that promoted self-confidence and guidance. With all these thoughts buried deep in my mind I was sure I would have a relaxed school day. Jesus would surely give me the strength as I had asked him the night before. 

My classes commenced and as I entered each room all I felt inside of me was sheer terror. I knew my friends from the previous year but that did not assure by rapid pulse that it was going to be alright. All the confidence washed away and my mind was blank. In every class I sat down in a chair and all I could think about was literally nothing. It was as if the teacher was not talking and everyone was staring at me. My self-consciousness rose to its maximum and I could not believe the insecurity I felt during each school day.  Where was all the assurance God had given me? Where was his strength? Love? Peace? I felt completely and utterly alone. 

My prayers seemed to be pointless. I could never retain the positive knowledge in moments when I needed it the most. I kept questioning God's support. Why wasn't He with me? Was I doing something wrong? Am I even studying His Word correctly?

These thoughts buzzed in my mind until most of my questions were answered one evening during family worship. I confessed my feelings to my mother and in response she read to me Matthew 11. As I listened I was shocked at the fact that Jesus' would let one of his most faithful followers die within miles from Him. 

My mom explained that Jesus gave John the courage to face his fears. Verse 6 says that, "Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me." Which means that whenever we face trials, our focus should be on Jesus. We will receive His blessings and His love if we do not stumble in our faith. Sometimes God does not always say "yes" immediately. Sometimes experiences in our lives show us how much He cares. 

When a mother loses her baby at birth she is devastated. Her heart turns bitter towards the Lord and she questions His presence. But truly I tell you, if that woman prays each day turning her heart to Jesus she will find hope, peace, and love. When Jesus gives the blessing of another child she heals. Overtime, 9 months to be exact, her heart turns from cold to warm. The new baby is exactly what she needed. 

As I listened to my mom tell me the story, I made a promise to myself that every time I find myself in a hard place or situation, I will think to myself the simple phrase, "Prayer is powerful and experience will show me God's  constant work in my life." Sometimes we do not see God's interference in our lives, but as time goes on Jesus gives us the opportunity to be blessed and experience the love and peace He offers to anyone who believes. 

Prayer is powerful, don't give up on it.