God Didn't Create Us To Be Average (Daily Devotional)

February 11th

"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." Proverbs 13:20

Negative Peer Pressure

Peer pressure means that friends put pressure on you to do something you may not want to do. Like urging you to smoke or drink, steal, say or do stuff that makes you feel uncomfortable. That's known as negative peer pressure.

Creationtips.com said that a study in the United states in 2009 found that us, teenage girls, were much more likely to feel peer pressure. They say its because we feel more anxious or depressed about what our friends think of us.

So there's the problem with peer pressure. We give in to fit in, but then feel guilty or even get in trouble. Like Creativetips.com says, but if you are afraid that if you refuse to give in, you will lose their friendship or respect.

Like I was always told, if they say that they won't be your friend anymore, were they really a friend to begin with?

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

If you find yourself being peer pressured, here's what to do. Like always, pray for wisdom. Pray. Ask God for help. God knows how to rescue us. God can deliver us from temptation and this peer pressure if we pray for it.

Tell them no. Tell them it's against your religion. Don't be afraid to tell them no. If you don't want to do what they are doing, if you feel uncomfortable, don't be afraid to say no. Once you did that, get out of that situation, that environment.

If you find yourself stuck in that environment, find someone that has the same values as you. It helps a lot of there is two of you willing to stand up and say no. Talk to parents or teachers, any older and wiser people that can help you handle your peer pressure.

Always remember that God can help you. He will give you the courage to deal with peer pressure.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for protecting me in these times. Deliver me from temptation and peer pressure. Help me to have the courage when I fall into a situation of peer pressure or temptations. Help me to find someone else to help me stand up to them. Thank you. In Jesus name. Amen.