This is from a young Christian person to all youn people. Read and be blessed.
Written By: Sister Camille Duncan

“It is a hard road to travel and a mighty long way to go…..,” is a frequently used chorus in our worship services at church and even in our daily devotions at home. This chorus speaks of the many challenges that we are bound to face on our Christian journey.

As young people, we are usually fascinated by glitter, fun, vibes, excitement, and anything that seems young and hip. However, there are many young Christians who sometimes struggle to identify fun and

excitement within their spiritual life. As a result they tend to gravitate more towards whatever makes them feel alive. And in many cases, they are led in the wrong direction, Christians and Non-Christians alike.

One of the most evident challenge in our society today is the strong effect of the enchanting double P, “Peer Pressure.” This can be defined as the pressure from one’s peers to behave in a manner similar to theirs or acceptable to them. Many teens find it necessary to take on certain action and adopt certain values in order to be accepted as this would give them so-called popularity. While in High school a classmate of mine reiterated on a regular basis that she is too young for Christianity as this lifestyle seemed boring in her view. Many young Christians find it difficult to reveal their religious status while in the company of their unsaved friends especially at school. However, when at home they demonstrate the attitudes of a dedicated young Christian. I believe that this is a major challenge that should be addressed. Young people need to be reassured that being a committed Christian is the best lifestyle and something that we should not be ashamed of.

Another very and probably the most identifiable challenge is the issue of ‘Sex out of Marriage’ or fornication as the Bibles refers to it. Socialization between both gender is simply inevitable considering the fact that we as Christians have a responsibility to be seeking souls for Christ, both male and female. Hence we are exposed to countless possibilities. I would advise young Christians, however, to associate themselves closely with people who share good Christian values. Let me share with you a brief yet intriguing story I once heard.

There was once a young dedicated Christian woman who enjoyed witnessing to people about Christ. One day she was approached by a young handsome man who expressed interest in her. Being the Godly person she was, she immediately told him of her status with God. He further went on to tell her that he was once a Christian but had backslidden a long time ago. After hearing this, she saw it as an opportunity to reclaim that soul for God. So she exchanged phone numbers with this Youngman. As time went on they became close friends, too close maybe. The Bible was now becoming second place discussion because by this time the young lady had developed intimate feelings for this very charming man. It so happened that she eventually ended up in bed with him. But the power of God is so strong that He was able to worry her conscience just as she was about to remove her clothing for sexual intercourse.

It was said that the young lady felt as if she was awaken from a deep trance and ordered the man to get his hands off her. She then got her things and rushed out of the room. My dear readers, not many young people in such a situation would be able to resist that temptation. I rate this challenge number one out of the many others. I have always felt motivated to ask young Christians how hard is it for them to abstain from sex until marriage. Many often say that it is hard but they can do it with God’s help while others say that they do not think about it much so it doesn’t bother them. I would say that I want to walk according to the will of God so if that means doing without something so appealing such as sex, then so be it. God’s will must be done.

In closing, I would invite everyone reading to lift us up as young people in prayer so that we will not be tossed by the winds of temptation. So many challenges come our way, but with fasting and prayer we shall stand! Thank you.

Written By: Sister Camille Duncan