Hidden: A Devotional for Teen GirlsSample

Day 4 – When Trials Come

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. – James 1:2–4 NLT

Devotional

I was 16 years old, and I was awake getting ready for school. There was nothing unusual about the morning, except that at some point during the night our family car had been repossessed (or taken back by the owner). Finances were often a challenge for my family, and this day was no different. For a while, I was embarrassed, so I didn't want to bring it up or talk about it. Then, a few days later, I remember a close friend asked to talk to me during our next break at school. She sat across from me and vulnerably shared something embarrassing about what her family was going through at the time. I was honestly relieved to know that I was not the only one going through something difficult. I was able to share with her, and I no longer felt ashamed.

You’ve been through things. I know it. But you’re still here, and that makes you resilient. The problem is that the enemy likes to whisper lies that make us feel shame, rejection, and oftentimes defeat. In a very heavy discussion, Jesus talks to a group of religious leaders and tells them that the devil is a liar and the father of lies. Then, Jesus goes on to say, "Whoever belongs to God hears what God says." Every one of satan's words is an attack on you becoming you. It's his attempt to pile shame, ridicule, and powerlessness on top of all that God placed inside you.

Say this out loud: "I belong to God. I believe what God has to say about my story not anyone else."

Resilience is what happens when pain doesn’t break you but instead shapes you into someone stronger, wiser, and more compassionate. The hard things you’ve faced don’t make you less—they’ve actually made you more.

There may be parts of your story that might be embarrassing or feel insignificant. But, you’ll begin to see that the things of your past impact who you are today quite significantly. Your untold story is significant.

Journal Question

Resilient: able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions; able to recoil or spring back into shape after bending, stretching, or being compressed.

- Consider the “difficult conditions” you’ve endured. Write a list of all the moments in your life that were difficult or challenging. Now, talk to God about it. Ask, "What do you want to say to me about that situation?" Ask, "Is there a lie I'm believing from the enemy that is shaping how I view myself or even you, Lord?" (Note: You may need to speak with your counselor, pastor, or spiritual mentor as you navigate these.)

- What are some things that have been formed in your faith & character because of what you've been through?