Many young people struggle to understand how God fits into their daily lives. When faced with challenges like bullying, family problems, or feeling lost, it’s easy to wonder if God truly cares.
The Good News and the Teenage Experience
The Bible talks about the “Good News” – the message that Jesus came to Earth, died for our mistakes, and rose again. This is supposed to change everything, but how does it connect to the real struggles teenagers face today?
At Arizona Urban Youth Excel (UYE), we believe that the Good News should make a difference in every part of a young person’s life. But how do we share it in a way that makes sense to them?
Learning from Paul
The Bible tells the story of Paul, who traveled and shared the Good News with people. He went to a city called Athens, where people worshipped many different gods. Paul didn’t just tell them about Jesus. He first took time to understand their beliefs and what was important to them.
This is a big lesson for us. Before sharing the Good News with young people, we need to understand their world. What are their biggest worries? What do they value most? What are they struggling with?
Respecting Their World
Imagine a student who feels like their worth is based on how successful they are. They might feel pressure to always get good grades or be popular. This “success” can become like a god to them.
We can’t just tell them they’re wrong. Instead, we can show them that God loves them, not because of their grades or popularity, but because of who they are. God sees their value and accepts them just as they are.
Sharing the Good News Boldly
Paul didn’t shy away from sharing the truth about Jesus. He explained that there is only one true God, the Creator of everything. He encouraged people to turn away from their other “gods” and trust in Jesus.
We need to do the same. We need to share the Good News with young people in a way that’s honest and clear. We need to show them how Jesus can help them overcome their struggles, find hope in difficult times, and live a life of purpose.
Finding Hope in Hard Times
When facing challenges, it’s easy to feel lost and wonder if God is there. But the Good News reminds us that Jesus understands our struggles. He experienced pain and suffering, and he offers us comfort, strength, and hope.
At UYE, we believe that the Good News is for everyone, especially young people facing challenges. We want to help them discover the hope and freedom that comes from knowing Jesus.
