Shining in the Dark:
How Teens Can Let jesus light up their world
When my dad passed away, I kinda lost my faith in God. My mom and grandma always try to talk to me about God, but honestly…I’m just not there yet. My light feels dim, and I really want it to shine brighter, especially at home and school. The thing is, my friends don’t seem too lit either. We’re all just trying to get through the school year, and it’s barely even started.
The Bible says: “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can’t overpower it.” That hits different.
As teens, we’ve gotta start actually getting what the Bible is saying to us. Not just reading it, but figuring out how to live it—at home, at school, even at church. (Yeah, church still matters, even when we don’t feel like it.) I’ve got this one friend who’s really chasing after God, and honestly, I respect that. I wish more of us were that bold. Like, we’ll speak up about random stuff in class or online, but what if we were just as loud for Christ?
So, I’m praying in Jesus’ name that we’ll have the guts to live like His light is in us—even when things feel dark at home and school. I pray that His light will shine through us until we’re not dim anymore. The only way that’s gonna happen is if we actually spend time in His word—at home, in church, wherever.
What if we flipped the script and actually freaked our parents out by being on fire for God? Like, what if we started a new trend that wasn’t just about clout or drama, but about making Jesus go viral? Our friends might not get it, but that’s okay—light always stands out in the darkness.
Let’s go for it!
REFLECT
When was the last time you felt like your “light” was dim? What was going on in your life at that time?
Who in your home, school, or friend group do you see trying to live boldly for Christ? How does their example challenge you?
What’s one area of your life (school, home, social media) where you need God’s light to shine brighter through you?
NOW ACT
Memorize John 1:5 “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Say it each morning before school this week.
Pick one way to “shine” this week . It could be encouraging a friend, praying before a test, inviting someone to youth group, or posting a Scripture online.
Teens, it is never too early to let your light shine for Jesus. That begins with giving Him your whole heart, believing He is the Son of God who died for your sins. Start walking in His Word at home, at school, and in church.
Would you like to share your personal story from school on God’s impact on your life?