by Melisa R. Aros-McFarland

As a teenager, we will face many expectations, challenges and pressures during the changes of life. Through our eyes, life can seem uncertain, frightening and sometimes impossible because we try to figure everything out and handle issues ourselves; then feelings of anxiety, stress, fear and sometimes depression take control of our lives. The question is, how do we handle this?

As part of life on this earth, it is a guarantee that we will be faced with temptations. During our teenage years, we may feel burdened with the pressures of physical appearance, relationships, sex, alcohol, drugs, smoking, popularity and name brand clothing. The Bible warns us that Satan’s temptations are focused on certain crucial areas such as our desires, possessions and pride (Matthew 4:1-10). This is an area that we can easily become focused on and trapped in.

It is sometimes difficult to feel a sense of belonging so we tend to feel the need to change in order to fit in with a certain crowd at school. Change can be good and yes, change builds character and strength; however, not when we change who we are as a person to satisfy others, and for the wrong reasons. We must always evaluate our motives for wanting to change something about ourselves and whether it is something that would be pleasing to God. We should ask ourselves whether a particular change will hurt us or others.

The world we live in brings on many emotions based on our surroundings and current circumstances. Those emotions surface with change and worldly misguidance. We can be at a school prom or the movies with friends feeling happiness and excitement, and within minutes be tempted with alcohol, drugs or sex. We become overwhelmed with feelings of fear, anxiety and confusion. Satan places those temptations upon us and it is up to us to remove ourselves from those situations and have faith we can overcome any temptations.

We must understand who is really in control of our lives; God is in complete control of everything in our life (Psalm 60:6-10). Nothing affects us without first passing through God for His approval. God knows every little detail in our lives and allows things to happen, whether good or bad in our eyes, so we develop a deeper relationship with Him, learn to depend on Him and strengthen our faith. God gives us the option to choose and it is up to us to make the right choice that will not lead to regret or guilt, which are two of the emotions Satan gets pleasure out of.

Don’t let anyone or anything pressure you into doing something you know isn’t right in God’s eyes. We may not always see harm in things right away, which is why we have the leading of the Holy Spirit. We may not be happy with our appearance, social status or lack of certain material possessions; however, we have purpose in life and it is beyond what the human eye can envision or touch. God always has His eyes on us, even in times we may feel alone. God sees the path of our lives and lays the foundation for His Will in our lives. We may not always see eye-to-eye with choices we must make and that is why we must trust in God and allow Him to guide us.

The most important step is to allow God to take full control of our lives. Trust God regardless of your circumstances. Don’t focus on what the human eye can see, but focus on what is unseen, which is through faith. You will face some of life’s most challenging moments during teenage years. Nothing is impossible for God to handle or His ability to handle anything that concerns us (Luke 1:37). .

Worldly vision can bring false hope and mixed emotions when teenagers are facing change through the human eye. When we begin to recognize that true guidance can be seen from only one source – through God’s eyes, as the Beholder, many pressures will be lifted and change will be seen from a whole different perspective.

©Melisa R. Aros-McFarland