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Identify one or two practical ways you can help prepare your students for the struggles they’ll face in the world.
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Share my struggles, within reason, and let them know how I use biblical principles to overcome and keep pressing forward.
Remind them that we’ll all will face struggles – how are they going to deal with them? -
I will be honest with them, always using the bible as a backdrop, as this is where we can identify truths that are opposed to today’s culture. The best way I can prepare them is by discipling their hearts to expect deception in this world since deception is so prevalent in so many ways. When secular things come up, or conflicting ideas arise in our community, we’ll compare them to God’s word. I will pray for them to have discernment and discuss discernment and how the Holy Spirit guides us toward truth.
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I think having discussions about the world and the things they are facing can be very beneficial in helping them sort out what God’s plan is and what he asks of us. I also think being a safe place where they can ask questions is important. Sharing my life and how God is working can also help them to see how to deal with what they face.
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I want to make sure to equip them with Biblical knowledge, rhetorical skills, and a Biblical worldview.
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One simple way is to be honest and share stories of how Christian life is a struggle, but how God uses the struggles for his glory. I love to share stories about the heroes of the faith and people that have been martyred for their faith with my students. There is a great video series called Torchlighters that depicts these stories for students and introduces them to people that have walked difficult roads and sacrificed for the Lord in a way that is appropriate and easy for them to understand. We have great discussions about these people and the difference they made in the lives of others for the sake of Christ. I think it is also important to share personal stories of struggle and how the Lord has used them. Students relate to true stories, especially ones with people they actually know. If I can model before them how to handle those times they will have some idea of what their response should be. Having an open door and ear for them to always know they can talk to you about it and you will be there to help them would also be helpful. Finally I think making sure we are teaching them scripture is of utmost importance. Knowing the Word of God comes first so we can recall the Word when we are in need.