I was born and raised in the church, and one thing I realised in the church, when it came to struggles and when it came to what people were dealing with, I felt like there was a lack of transparency. I remember battling with my own issues, of doubt, of feeling of weak faith , of falling into addictions – and it felt like everyone around me in the church was perfect. After sharing and being made to feel it was all my fault I was going through problems, it hurt. Nobody seemed to ever have struggled at all. Nobody seemed to ever have gone through anything. Why? Because there was a lack of transparency.

This is my topic today to share with you in this time.

One thing we can learn is that being a Christian doesn’t automatically give you an easy path. I don’t say this to scare you, but for us to be open that being a believer doesn’t automatically mean life gets easier. But, you’re never alone going through it, God will give you a peace that V surpasses all understanding! (Philippians 4:7)

We’re getting rid of our old ways and old characters and no longer conforming to the patterns of this world, but being transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). That transformation period isn’t always easy. And it’s not always beautiful. But you will be made beautiful.

We often as Christians forget to be open with each other about the daily battles we may face. However, there’s two things we should know.

1. We should be there for one another.

“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

‭‭James‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

There is healing in crying open and speaking out to one another. Confession is to tell it out. And when you think about it, speaking about your issue is what people need to feel better. Just like how therapy it’s a lot of talking and sharing so that you’re recovering and healing.

Pray for one another, that you may be healed. There are certain areas in my life where I may have tried to do it on my own. But we were never meant to do it alone. We’re a body of Christ , meaning we function together. And yes, God is found in our quiet place, He too is there in our midst when two or three are gathered in His name (Matthew 18:20).

I may not have gone through exactly what you’ve been through but I will pray with you. There may be times you can’t stand alone, I will stand with you. This is the value we can give one another as members of the body.

2. Our testimonies is how we overcome.

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭12:11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

There is power in your testimony. There are times when God can lead you to share, and encourage someone else. You may see someone who’s going through a really hard time. Yes it’s okay to give them scriptures and tell them to pray. But you also being real with them and saying “listen, I was also in a hard path at a certain point in my life, but you won’t be overcome by this, because greater is He in you than your hard time.”

I know it’s hard to sometimes open up, on both ends. It can be that you’re embarrassed about your past. Which I understand and have been there, but remember that now you’re in Christ, you’re a new creation !

1 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.‬‬

You’re not the old person anymore, that was a different you, and you’ve grown! Don’t let the devil shame you with what God saved you from. Often we’ve gone through things so that we can be a light to someone else. Because that’s what we’re called to be, the salt of the earth and the light of the word (Matthew 5:13-17).

And on the flip side , it may also be difficult to open up to say, you know what ? At the moment I’m not doing so great. I’m not feeling as joyful as I should be. I’m struggling and battling right now. I get it and I understand.

One thing I can suggest is to find a safe space. This may be a pastor, or a leader you can trust, or someone within your youth group who you feel you can be open to. Pray that God shows you the right person who you can be open with to.

And remember, we’re a body of Christ. We weren’t meant to do this alone.

Earlier I said, being a Christian doesn’t always mean life gets easier. It just means that we know God has a plan for us. We know that He has already overcome the world, and has already provided us with His word, that is a light unto our path and a lamp to our feet (it shows us which way to go). He gave us the tools , in His word that we may live and begin to be content and have joy no matter what circumstances. And most importantly, He gave us HIMSELF, His son, and the Holy Spirit – who is here for you, to guide you and to comfort you always.

Prayer – God I acknowledge that I can’t do it on my own. But I thank you , that you never left me alone. Thank you for never leaving me nor forsaking me. Thank you for life and for your love. I pray that I may be a light to others, and you give me the boldness to share my testimonies. And I pray that you guide me to the right people to support me in times when I need it, for your word says that iron sharpens iron. Thank you for your word. Thank you for who you are. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

And I just want you to also know, that if you’re not a believer, thank you for making it this far. I encourage you to make the best decision of your life, and accept Jesus to be your personal saviour! He stands at the door, knocking. Waiting for you to let Him in. He loves you, and He died for you and rose again! Just so you may have life abundantly here on earth and in heaven.

John 3:16 – for God so loved the world, that He gave His only son, so whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish but have everlasting life.

Romans 10:9 – that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

‭‭‬‬it goes on further to say

“For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.””

‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:10-13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

So I encourage you to make the best decision of your life, and turn to Him! And if you’ve made that decision, welcome to the family.

I love you all. God bless you.

~ peace, joy & love x

TK x

(P.S, I know now we’re unable to go to the shop and buy bibles, so if you’re wanting an online one, I use the YouVersion bible app, it’s really useful especially with the plans and stories that they have, so if you have it – my username is Tadi Kativhu! I would love to also do a plan with you, and read together.).

See you soon, God bless x