First, I'm really proud of you for wanting to follow God with your whole heart. I truly believe that God will honor your desire to be a light to others, even if it takes time.
I wish I had a magic three-step plan that would guarantee you would become the spittin' image of Christ overnight. I really, really do. But the truth is, even though I can give you some tips, the hard part—actually doing them—is up to you!
• Get in the Word. The Bible has a supernatural ability to show us where we need to change and empower us to do so. If you're not reading it, you're missing out!
• Spend time in prayer. Talk to God about your struggles. Tell Him exactly what you told me, and beg Him to help you change. Remember, that's what He wants to see in you too, so why wouldn't He answer sincere prayers like that? Spending time with God also allows you to quiet your heart enough to hear what He may want to tell you.
• If you're not already, get involved in church (and/or youth group) that will teach you what God has to say on all sorts of life issues.
• Find some friends (Christian friends, ideally) who will point you in the right direction and encourage you to live a godly life, instead of dragging you down.
Even though there's no place like camp to feel God's intimate presence, I know that you can have a dynamite relationship with Him no matter where you are. So keep seeking Him and clinging to Him! And don't be discouraged if the process takes time. "God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won't stop before it is complete" (Philippians 1:6, CEV).
Love,
I wish I had a magic three-step plan that would guarantee you would become the spittin' image of Christ overnight. I really, really do. But the truth is, even though I can give you some tips, the hard part—actually doing them—is up to you!
• Get in the Word. The Bible has a supernatural ability to show us where we need to change and empower us to do so. If you're not reading it, you're missing out!
• Spend time in prayer. Talk to God about your struggles. Tell Him exactly what you told me, and beg Him to help you change. Remember, that's what He wants to see in you too, so why wouldn't He answer sincere prayers like that? Spending time with God also allows you to quiet your heart enough to hear what He may want to tell you.
• If you're not already, get involved in church (and/or youth group) that will teach you what God has to say on all sorts of life issues.
• Find some friends (Christian friends, ideally) who will point you in the right direction and encourage you to live a godly life, instead of dragging you down.
Even though there's no place like camp to feel God's intimate presence, I know that you can have a dynamite relationship with Him no matter where you are. So keep seeking Him and clinging to Him! And don't be discouraged if the process takes time. "God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won't stop before it is complete" (Philippians 1:6, CEV).
Love,