Jesus Calling for Teens: 50 Devotions to Grow in Your Faith

Introduction

Jesus calls us to trust Him at all times. Trust Him in all circumstances. Trust Him with all our heart.

Jesus calls you to step away and spend time with Him. His Words fill your life with peace, joy, and rest.

Scripture says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5 esv). The Bible is the only perfect Word of God—without errors. I work hard to keep my devotional writings consistent with the unchanging truths of God’s Word.

I have written from the perspective of Jesus speaking, to help readers feel more personally connected with Him. So the first person singular (“I,” “Me,” “My,” “Mine”) always refers to Jesus; “you” refers to you, the reader. I’ve included Scripture references after each reading. Words from the Scriptures (some paraphrased, some quoted) are indicated in italics.

The devotions in this book are meant to help you trust Jesus more and more. When you’re tired, when things are going wrong, and even on your best days, whisper these four short words: “I trust You, Jesus.” When you do this, you release things into His control. This is a great way to stay close to Him and grow in your faith.

Sarah Young

See My Greatness

Let Me surround you with My Presence. I am King of kings and Lord of lords. When you come close to Me, I come even closer to you. You may feel overwhelmed by My Power and Glory. You may feel small compared to My Greatness. These feelings are actually a form of worship. You are telling Me that you know how powerful and wonderful I am.

Some people do not like My Greatness. They don’t like feeling small compared to anything—not even Me. They want to be in complete control, and they want to be the most important. They may even be so wrapped up in themselves that they don’t see Me at all.

Don’t fall into that trap. Enjoy being in the presence of My Greatness. Be glad that you have such a great and all-powerful God who loves you and is taking care of you.

The Gift of Your Time

Don’t rush through our time together. When you are in a hurry, your mind flips back and forth between Me and the things you are about to do. You have My full attention; I want your full attention too.

Set aside a special time every day just to be with Me. It can be early in the morning or just before you go to sleep. It can be soon after you get home from school. But don’t let other things crowd out our time together. Then look for a quiet place where you can relax in My Presence. Perhaps it’s a cozy spot in the den, or in your room. Or maybe it’s outside under a tree. Find a peaceful place for us to meet. Look forward to our time together!

When you bring Me the gift of your time, I strengthen you and prepare you for what is ahead of you—this day and all your days.

Holy Ground

At the burning bush, Moses stood on holy ground and heard the very voice of God. And now I am asking you to step onto holy ground and listen to Me!

You don’t need a miraculous bush. Just leave behind the cares of this world. For a little while, forget that list of things you’re supposed to get done, and just be with Me.

Don’t let the world make you feel guilty for our time together. Don’t listen to the lie that says you should be busy doing something more productive, something that matters. There is nothing that matters more than spending time with Me—your Lord and Savior. Block out all the noise of the world and be still in My Presence. When you do, you are standing on holy ground.

Worship Only Me

Only I am God. Only I deserve your worship. Do not devote yourself, your time, or your attention to the things of this world. Do not let them become idols, false gods.

The worship of idols has always been a trap for My people. The ancient Israelites bowed down to carved images and golden statues. But today’s idols are harder to spot. They can be other people, possessions, popularity, or success. An idol can be anything that keeps you away from Me.

Don’t bow down to the idols of this world. They have no real power. They can’t forgive your sins, love you unconditionally, or take you home to heaven. Only I can do those things. So worship only Me. And be ready to receive Joy and Peace in My loving Presence.

The Beauty of Creation

The whole of creation declares that I am God. And the beauty of creation declares My Glory.

Open your eyes to the beauty all around you. See the majesty of the mountains, the power of the ocean waves, the details of the tiniest wildflower, the endless colors of the sunset—and know that I am holy God.

So many people rush past these signs of My Presence without even giving them a second thought. Some people just use beauty to sell their products—forgetting all about Me. But I want you to open your eyes to the glory of My creation. Let this awesome beauty draw you into worshiping Me.

Be glad that I am a holy God who created such a beautiful world. And use the glory of My creation to tell others about Me. The whole earth is full of My shining beauty—My Glory!

God is the one who saves me.
I trust him. I am not afraid.
The Lord, the Lord, gives me
strength and makes me sing.
He has saved me.
—Isaiah 12:2 (ICB)