Unlocked: Daily Devotions for Teens

READ: JEREMIAH 29:8-14; JOHN 21:20-22; 2 CORINTHIANS 10:12; GALATIANS 6:4

Ever been online scrolling, watching your friends and other people you follow as they share their vacations, adventures, accomplishments, funny stories…and you just ended up feeling like your own life was on hold? Let me tell you something: you’re not alone! Comparison steals your joy, and it can even make you forget about anything good that might be happening in your life. It can make your life seem like a sob story.

One night, I remember sitting alone in a local park, feeling left behind. When I looked at my friends’ socials, it was just stories of which colleges they were set to attend. Meanwhile, I had yet to start the application process, let alone decide which colleges to apply to. I felt low and ungrateful. Nevertheless, I decided to think of three things I was thankful to God for. I thought of my dog, the recent earth-nourishing rains, and a wonderful phone conversation with my parents. Though spending that time in thankfulness to God didn’t change my situation, it redirected my focus from feeling small to feeling gratitude for the good things God was doing in my life.

Isn’t it good news that God doesn’t compare us to each other? And He calls us not to compare ourselves with others either. Rest assured, God loves you and He has good plans for you. He made you unique, and He will lead you on your journey according to His timing and purpose. You will never get left behind— Jesus is with you every step of the way.

So instead of fixing your eyes on someone else’s life journey or achievements, pay attention to what God is doing in yours. As you fix your eyes on Jesus— resting in His faithful love and following where He leads—you just might discover that true freedom is found, not in a life of comparison, but one of gratefulness (Hebrews 12:1-2). • Sammy Mwatha

What are three things you’re thankful to God for today, no matter how small?

• We live during a time in history when the internet, smartphones, social media, etc. are still relatively new, and we’re constantly learning how to steward these resources well—and limit the potential negative impacts they can have on our brains. This week, consider turning off all your devices (anything with a screen) for at least one hour per day, and focus on things in your life that you’re thankful for—and do them with Jesus! You might spend the time relaxing outside, playing with your pet, eating a meal with your family, or engaging with something you enjoy (like art, music, sports, etc.) either alone or with friends.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD, “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

READ: ROMANS 10:11-17; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:7

I was born legally blind. Usually I can see enough to get by, but if I have to find a classroom where the room number is posted above the door, I can’t see it. When the church puts the words to the chorus on the big screen up front, I can’t see it. If I’m in a restaurant where the menu is hanging behind the counter, I can’t see it.

To compensate for not being able to see such things, I have to ask for help: “Do they have cheese curds here?” When the people around me are kind enough to answer my questions, I have to take them at their word. I can’t verify if cheese curds are on the menu until I place my order and say, “I’d like cheese curds with that.”

Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Most define faith as “belief” or “trust.” But take it from this legally blind guy: it’s a little deeper than that. I’m looking for information to act on—information I can’t see. Faith relies on someone who has more power and knowledge than I do. My bad sight forces me to depend on others and take them at their word.

“For we live by faith, not by sight,” 2 Corinthians 5:7 says. I know full well what this means. I regularly put my life into the hands of others who can see what they’re doing.

Similarly, God knows more than we do. He has more power, more insight, and is never wrong. We are wrong frequently. Faith acknowledges our weaknesses, but also God’s strength—and through the Holy Spirit, God leads us to rely on that strength (Romans 5:6; 8:26; 2 Corinthians 12:9; 1 John 4:16).

Faith in Jesus is more than mental agreement with some statements; it’s living in light of sure information (1 John 5:20). As Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” • Jeff Weddle

• Can you think of a time you had to depend on others? What was that like?

• Faith in Jesus means relying on Him to save us, and depending on Him in every area of our lives. Of course, none of us will have perfect faith—at least, not until Jesus returns. But as we draw near to God, the Holy Spirit will help us grow in faith, reminding us that we can rest in a secure relationship with God because Jesus has made the way for us to become His dearly loved children (1 John 3:1). How could it be helpful to think of faith, not just as belief and trust, but also as reliance and dependence?

For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)

READ: MATTHEW 13:44-46; JOHN 10:10; PHILIPPIANS 3:7-9, 19-21

Kellen crossed his arms and shook his head as smoke engulfed his one-man transport. He turned away and stepped off the tracks that connected the two largest cities in the world. This delay would cost him. Negotiators were expecting him in the northern city within the hour.

The railway cut through a thick forest. Kellen marveled at some of the trees before he reached for his phone. As he slipped his hand into his pocket to call for a new transport, something caught his eye. A sliver of blue glistened through an opening in the trees. He pulled back some branches and stepped into the forest.

Kellen gasped as he found himself standing in a new world. The brilliant blue was coming from a rushing waterfall. Beyond the cascade was an endless golden field. A gust of wind swept over the meadow and stirred up a flock of colorful birds that piloted over the waterfall and down to a cluster of luscious green branches.

Kellen breathed deeply. His soul had never felt like this before—completely refreshed, utterly satisfied. He thought about his immense riches, and the steel utopia he had built for himself, but neither of them compared to the peace that he felt now. For the first time, Kellen knew he was home.

“It can all be yours,” said a voice. Kellen turned to see an old man holding a staff twice his height. “It is of more value than anything you can ever achieve,” said the man.

Kellen nodded and looked over the paradise one more time. As he turned and stepped back through the tree line, he repositioned some branches to hide his newly discovered treasure.

- -

It didn’t take long for Kellen to sell everything he had. The following morning, he returned to the field. He stepped off the transport and pulled back the branches like he had the day before. Then He stepped through the brush and into the paradise.

The man greeted him, “Welcome home.” • Rafe Bellers

• Today’s allegorical story echoes Matthew 13:44, which is one of many parables Jesus told about the kingdom of heaven, also called the kingdom of God. Why is this kingdom far more valuable than anything we could ever possess or achieve? Why is it worth giving up everything for?

• The only way into the kingdom of God is through Jesus. He gave up everything for us when He died and rose again to rescue us from the dominion of darkness and bring us into His kingdom of light (Colossians 1:12-14). Jesus promises that everyone who has put their trust in Him is a part of that kingdom forever! Why is it so important that nothing we do—or don’t do—can earn our place in His kingdom? (Hint: read Ephesians 2:8-9.) For more about this good news, see our "Know Jesus" page.

• We live in a time when the kingdom of God has already come and is still coming. When Jesus came and lived among us, He announced that the kingdom has come near (Matthew 4:17), and He promised that when He returns, we will experience the kingdom in all its fullness! As we wait for that glorious day, we can see glimpses of the kingdom wherever we see Jesus’s rule and reign bringing “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). Can you think of a time you glimpsed the kingdom in your own life? What was that like?

• If you want to dig deeper, you can read ab...

READ: JOHN 10:27-30; 14:16-17, 26; 15:4-10; 1 CORINTHIANS 6:17

Have you ever wanted to go skydiving? The thrill! The exhilaration! The absolute terror?!

If you’re not quite daring enough to jump from a plane with nothing but a parachute, you could try tandem skydiving instead. This much safer option means you’re connected to a harness, which is attached to a highly experienced tandem instructor. The instructor guides you through each and every step prior to, during, and after the jump. You’re secured to this expert skydiver the whole time. From exiting the plane to landing safely on the ground, they’re responsible for and in control of everything that’s happening. Your part is to rest in their control and enjoy!

The tandem’s connection means placing all your trust in the instructor’s abilities and knowledge. For all practical purposes, you’re placing your life in their hands. It wouldn’t be good to fight against their movements or try to go in a different direction from where they’re leading. No matter what happens on the journey, you can trust the safety of the harness and the person you’re attached to.

What if we thought about our Christian journey as being on a tandem flight with the Lord? When we come to faith in Jesus, we aren’t just attached to Him, we are united with Him. We are inseparable—connected together forever. The Holy Spirit is our highly qualified instructor, there from the beginning. As our traveling partner, the Spirit of Christ guides us along our journey till we safely reach our final destination of eternity with Jesus (Ephesians 4:30). So, as Christians, we never have to be afraid of freefalling alone. We can rest and abide in the one who holds us securely, now and forever. • Deborah del Villar

• Can you think of a time your life felt like a freefall? Maybe you felt disoriented or just unable to handle the things you were going through. Consider taking a moment to imagine Jesus right there with you—you could even picture Him strapped to your back like a tandem skydiving instructor. How does this image make you feel? Is there anything you want to say to Jesus?

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

READ: JOHN 11:1-44; 14:16-18; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-5

Do you know the shortest verse in the Bible? It’s John 11:35, “Jesus wept.” It has only two words, and yet it’s so profound.

A few years ago, my brother died suddenly. It was a big blow to me and my family. I asked God many questions. Why did He not save my brother? Why did He allow it to happen? Does He care?

When I was reading the book of John, God spoke to me through the story of Lazarus. Lazarus, Martha, and Mary were siblings, and they were close friends of Jesus. When Lazarus died, Martha and Mary were very sad. They were grieving over his death and wished Jesus had come earlier to save their brother. Both sisters said the same thing to Jesus: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21, 32). What they said echoed the words that I had bottled up in my heart.

Jesus understands the pain of losing our loved ones. He grieves with us. In John 11:35, it was written that “Jesus wept.” Even though Jesus is God, He is human as well. He felt the pain of losing his close friend. When Jesus wept, the Jews who had gathered to mourn said, “See how he loved him!” (verse 36). Jesus was there when Martha and Mary were grieving the loss of their brother. He showed compassion and comforted them. These two words, “Jesus wept,” meant so much to me. They made me realize that even though I could not see Jesus, He was there with me when my brother died. The Holy Spirit was with me. God cares!

And Jesus Himself assures us that He will comfort us. In Matthew 5:4, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” We are not alone. God gives us family, friends, and His very own presence to comfort us in our loss.

In the story of Lazarus, Jesus performed a miracle and raised Lazarus from the dead. And Jesus assures us that our loved ones who are believers will be resurrected one day, and we will live together in renewed creation—forever. Yet He also feels our sadness as we wait for that day. So whenever we feel the pain of losing our loved ones, we can remember that Jesus is weeping with us too. • Kelly Choy

• When we experience loss, how could it be comforting to remember Jesus wept with Martha and Mary, and He also weeps with us, holding us close in our grief?

Jesus wept. John 11:35 (NIV)