What encouragement can you offer for teenagers who are living with the daily realities of depression, shame, and hidden pain?
Those thoughts and painful emotions want to lead you to believe there is no hope for you and no future worth pursuing, but those are lies—the result of inner wounds and demonic torment. You exist because God willed that you have life, and He has a meaningful, abundant life for you—one where you know Him and experience His vast love, acceptance, and empowerment every single day! Learn to discern truth from lies and fight back against the evil one, who wants nothing more than to stop you from living out your God-appointed destiny.
What are some practical ways a teenager can be a light in the darkness among their peers?
Accept that you’re not going to fit in—you’re going to stand out and stand up for Christ! Don’t focus on criticizing your peers for their sinful choices and lifestyles, as if condemnation is going to inspire them to change. Instead, use uplifting words and acts of kindness to show them Christ’s love.
Then you’ll earn the right to say things at the right time, such as, “That dark music is only going to bring you down, and God wants you to have joy,” or “Pornography is a counterfeit high; God wants you to know His peace and love.” Always leave it up to God to save them. You just share His love and truth.
How can parents help a teen who is struggling with some of the topics mentioned in this book, or has friends who are?
As parents, we must help our kids develop a biblical worldview, the foundation of which is that there’s a God who loves them and a devil who hates them and both are constantly at work in their lives. When our kids understand how to discern the activity of Satan and defy him while recognizing and embracing God’s activity, they are well equipped for life.
As parents, one of the greatest gifts we can give our kids is to teach them how to listen for and hear God’s voice. When our kids know God and hear His voice, they not only have what it takes to fight for their own peace of mind but to inspire and equip their peers as well!
Visit Laura Gallier’s author page here:
https://www.familyfiction.com/authors/laura-gallier/
The Deception
Delusion Series #2
Laura Gallier
Tyndale House
Less than a year after the horrific Masonville High shooting, Owen is determined to uncover why the Creepers have converged on his land and the school―a necessary step in his mission to drive evil forces out of his town.
A supernatural visitor tests Owen’s ability to discern between truth and lies as the community is rocked by abductions and disappearances. While the town comes together to find those who are missing, Owen must fight to discover what is real and what is part of a strategy to distract him from his true purpose.
Will Owen’s courage and conviction waver or hold firm as he to fights to free Masonville from the demonic forces threatening to tear the town apart?