Amelia,

I messed up one of your photos. When I tried to publish this story, it would not show up on the main Shield page because it still needed a featured image, so I just chose the first photo of Raelyn Snedegar, but in messing with the settings I somehow deleted that photo and caption altogether–the photo is not even in the media library anymore! I’m so sorry, but could you upload it to the library again and I will fix the problem after break? Thank you!

Some people think being a Christian is easy, but it isn’t. It might look like someone has it all together, but do they? Christianity is a walk of faith that brings both joy and challenges. As believers go through the parts of life in a world that often contrasts with their values, the struggles they face can be very overwhelming. For many young Christians, this journey is marked by personal doubts, temptations, societal pressures, and a quest for community. I wrote about a glimpse into the challenges kids in my school and church encounter as they strive to live out their faith.

Kids from here at East

Raelyn Snedegar, a 14-year-old ninth-grader, finds herself struggling with the feeling of not being “good enough” as a Christian. Doubt can feel like a heavy burden; it clouds faith with uncertainty and makes a person question their worthiness. Raelyn’s favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13; this powerful verse serves as a reassuring reminder that we are not defined by our weaknesses but are empowered through faith in Christ. Raelyn expresses a common fear: the worry that if she were to return to God after straying, He would be angry with her. Her favorite worship song, “Praise” is by Elevation Worship. When the pressures of life weigh heavily, turning to God’s word can make the path forward visible, freeing us from the chains of doubt. 

Braylen Godfrey, a 16-year-old tenth-grader, faces the challenge of not fitting in with peers who often choose to pursue paths that don’t align with his faith. The pressure can be intense, particularly in an environment where others may not share his values. His favorite Bible verse, James 4:10, serves as a reminder to stay grounded and humble, trusting that God will provide the strength necessary to remain steadfast in faith amidst societal pressures. Braylen’s determination to follow God’s will demonstrates a maturity in understanding that true belonging comes from being one in Christ rather than to the world. His favorite worship song is “Promises” by Maverick City Music, which emphasizes the faithfulness of God’s promises. Knowing that God is by his side, Braylen navigates challenges with confidence, standing as a testament to the strength derived from a committed faith.

Ava Cochran, a 15-year-old in the ninth grade, deals with the difficulty of not engaging in behaviors that her peers may participate in. This struggle to her values often leads to feelings of isolation, as the desire to fit in clashes with her commitment to Christ. Ava’s favorite Bible verse, Romans 8:18, helps as a reminder that the trials faced in this life are temporary and ultimately lead to eternal joy. It reassures her that she does not have to worry. Her favorite worship song is “Praise” by Elevation Worship. Through this persistent effort to stay true to her beliefs, Ava shapes her character by learning lessons about strength in her faith.

Grayson Adams, a 14-year-old ninth-grader, shares the challenge of having a heart for evangelism in a world that often hides away from discussing faith. He’s motivated to tell people about Christ but sometimes finds it intimidating to share his beliefs openly. His favorite Bible verse, 1 Corinthians 10:31, urges believers to act in ways that honor God in every aspect of life. The song “God Only Knows” by King & Country is Grayson’s favorite worship song. The song’s message is that God intimately knows each person’s story and struggles. In moments where sharing his beliefs feels overwhelming, each time he shares his faith he walks a path of obedience, trusting that God is with him every step of the way.

Kids from my church

At 18, Lexi Allen faces the battle of temptation, expressing that it is the most challenging aspect of being a Christian. She is a senior attending James Monroe High School, where the external influences can easily shake one’s behavior and beliefs. Her favorite Bible verse, 2 Corinthians 5:7, emphasizes the importance of trusting God rather than relying solely on visible circumstances or societal pressures. Lexi’s favorite worship song is “Firm Foundation” by Cody Carnes, which provides the strength to resist temptations and remain steadfast in faith. Lexi’s journey illustrates that while the struggle with temptation is real, reliance on prayer, scripture, and encouraging music can help her navigate these challenges and remain rooted in her faith.

Clara, also a 17-year-old senior at James Monroe High School, is challenged by finding the right people who support her faith journey. She understands the importance of surrounding herself with believers who uplift and encourage her. Despite her challenge, Clara does not find it hard to read her Bible, as she actively works to maintain a positive support system. Galatians 6:2, Clara’s favorite Bible verse, serves as a reminder of the importance of community, kindness, and support among believers. Her favorite worship song, “Oceans” by Hillsong United, speaks of a desire for deeper faith and trust in God’s guidance. The song is a reminder of the beauty of stepping out into the unknown while relying on God’s strength. Clara’s commitment to building a circle of friends who encourage her spirituality reflects the essential role of community in navigating the challenges of faith.

Cole, a 16-year-old junior at James Monroe High School, talks about his difficulty of sharing his faith publicly due to societal rejection. He often encounters peers who do not view his beliefs with the same understanding or respect. Reality can make it difficult to remain open about your Christian identity. His favorite Bible verse, John 11:35, serves as a moving reminder that Jesus experienced human emotions and struggles just like anyone else. Cole’s favorite worship song, “Symphony” by Switch, reinforces the understanding that God works all things together for good. In embracing his identity as a Christian and sharing his story, Cole demonstrates resilience and courage that can inspire others to remain steadfast in their faith journey.

Judah, a 15-year-old sophomore attending Allegheny High School, shares that being around non-believers poses a significant challenge to his faith. His favorite Bible verse, Romans 15:5, encourages believers to live in harmony and treat others with kindness. Recognizing that everyone, regardless of faith, is navigating their challenges can help us approach others with empathy and grace. Judah’s favorite song, “Reckless Love” by Cory Asbury, reflects the transformative power of God’s love that surpasses judgment and fear. This message encourages him to press on in his faith despite the opinions of others. Judah’s challenges demonstrate a broader view of reality for many teens today: the struggle to balance faith while engaging with a world that may not share or understand their beliefs. 

The Takeaway

The challenges of being a Christian in today’s world are diverse and profound, encompassing doubt, temptation, societal pressure, and the search for a supportive community. These misconceptions about God’s nature can deter believers from seeking Him during their spiritual lows. However, understanding that God’s love is unwavering and unconditional provides comfort. God welcomes us back with open arms, celebrating our return rather than scolding us for our absence. As we navigate through our unique journeys, we as young and old Christians can and will embody the truth of our faith. These peers I interviewed are growing into resilient individuals, learning to trust God in the midst of life’s trials. Ultimately, their stories serve as a reminder that while the path may be challenging, faith, community, and reliance on God’s promises can illuminate the way forward.

Christianity is a journey filled with many challenges that shape our faith and character. One of the biggest aspects of being a Christian is the call to love and serve others, which can often feel overwhelming. 1 John 4:19, reminds us that, “We love because he first loved us.” This verse emphasizes that our ability to love, even in difficult times, arises from God’s unconditional love for us. Understanding this can help us meet challenges with grace, knowing that our efforts to love others, even when it’s hard, reflect the love God has poured into our lives.

The path of faith is often strewn with trials and tribulations, as defined in Romans 5:3-5, where the Apostle Paul writes, “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame.” These verses speak to the evolving power of our struggles. They are not in vain, instead they are to serve a purpose in shaping our character and deepening our hope in God. As we navigate hardships, we can take comfort in the notion that each trial brings us closer to the image of God (imago dei), who endured so much for our sake. 

Being a Christian means living in a world that can sometimes feel at odds with our values and beliefs. In John 16:33, Jesus tells His disciples, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” This is a reminder that while we face challenges, we do not face them alone. Christ’s victory over the world is a source of great encouragement, inviting us to trust in His sovereignty in the midst of uncertainty. By leaning into our faith and drawing strength from these biblical truths, we can find courage, resilience, and peace, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

Corinthians 16:13-14 – “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 

Let all that you do be done in love.”