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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: STAND UP FOR JESUS (don't write about the song) (04/09/15)
Middle School Faith

“Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given to me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.”
Ephesians 6:19 NIV

Every new school year brings about a different set of challenges and experiences. This was especially true for my daughter, Abby, in her first year of middle school. New teachers, wider variety of friends, and changing classes made for a lot of adjusting on her part. However, she met the challenges with abundant grace and beauty.

One of her first assignments in her Communications class was to design a logo that represented who she is, what she stands for, what she is all about. The logo had to hand drawn and then presented to the class with an oral presentation accompanying the picture.
In a time when Abby was still getting to know new friends and wondering where she fits in the whole middle school scene, she chose to be bold for Jesus. She designed her logo as a beautiful cross sitting upon a hill with the golden sun radiating beams of light onto the ground. The picture was simple but the effect profound.

She stood in front of her peers and spoke these words, “I chose this logo that I made because I love God! He died on the cross for our sins. He forgave all of us for all the wrong and bad things we have done. He is more than great, He is amazing. I hope you liked my logo. I hope you are also a believer in Christ. He saved and He will save again.”

What a testimony she gave to God that day! At a time when she could have chosen to feel insecure and shy, she chose to stand up for Jesus in front of her classmates. Not only did she profess to be a Christian, but in her simple words, she witnessed to her friends.

Her presentation reminds me of a verse from Ephesians saying, “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.” This key verse emphasizes the importance of leading others to Jesus with our words without fear or dread. Paul wrote those words to the Ephesians while in prison, facing major struggles in his life. However, he didn’t ask that he be freed from prison, he asked that he would be able to continue to speak fearlessly for Christ, despite his current circumstances. Paul didn’t care about his physical safety or that some people may make fun of him for his beliefs. He had little regard for his own needs, only leading others to Christ. Only having confidence in Jesus could lead him to behave this way.

I cannot be certain Abby’s cross logo presentation led any of her classmates to God. But I do know her logo changed my heart. Her faith and determination, sparked by God, has led me to examine myself closely, providing encouragement to stand up for Jesus courageously. I can only hope to be the witness in my own life she has already been in her short twelve years.

Pray today God will help you be bold in your witness as Paul and Abby have been. Be encouraged to stand up for what is Biblically true and right in God’s eyes. Make a commitment to share your story with others – you may not have a specially designed logo like Abby, but you definitely have words many others so desperately need to hear.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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This article has been read 564 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Loni Bowden-Horn 
04/17/15
The picture of the cross on a a hill with a sun was a beautiful illistrationn of Jesus' love for us. It took courage for your daughter to stand up for Christ in front of her classmates.
C D Swanson 
04/17/15
Beautiful and inspiring to hear of a person with so little years on earth could have such an abundance of faith, sadly some don't acquire that kind of faith their whole lives.

Excellent job with the topic, and I was blessed reading this. Thank you.

God bless~
Toni Babcock 
04/18/15
Thoroughly enjoyed this inspirational and challenging story. Thanks for sharing!
Lollie Hofer 
04/19/15
I agree - great use of this week's topic. Your daughter is an inspiration to all of us. Thanks for sharing a great story from her life.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
04/20/15
This is a delightful story. I have noticed that my kids were much more open to sharing their faith or wearing t-shirts expressing their faith. I never would have been brave enough to do that when I was in HS in the early 80s. The only red ink I might offer would be to show the struggle or lack of struggle beforehand. Even if it was from a parent or a sibling asking if she was sure or what if the kids pick on you? Of course, I'm assuming this is a true story and if so, you may not have been aware of any struggles or lack of that she had. You definitely wrote on topic and the piece is so refreshing. In today's world, fitting in seems more important than ever, yet Abby knows what is actually more important. The testimony is touching and will encourage others to do likewise.

(If this is a true recent story, FW has a message board for kids. I'm a moderator on the site and if Abby is under 15, she'd be welcomed warmly by the others.)
Larry Whittington
04/23/15
Our logo is what we do each day at home and away, followed by what we say at home and away.

Nicely written.

I would include the word "and" for the comma before the words "what she is all about."

Nicely done.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
04/25/15
Congratulations on ranking 4th in your level 19th overall. The highest rankings can be found on the message boards.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
04/25/15
Sorry about the typo, I meant congratulations on ranking 3rd in your level and 19 overall! :)