Dangerous Lies

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 5:8-10

Editor’s note: This story’s subject matter may not be suitable for young children.

Tayla watched her mother in the mirror as she clasped a necklace around Tayla’s neck. They were getting ready to go to a funeral.

“Mom, you’ve been really quiet this morning,” Tayla pointed out.

Mom smiled weakly. “Funerals are always difficult, but this one will be especially hard.”

Tayla knew what her mother meant. She had been to only one funeral in her life, and it was for her great-grandmother. Today they were going to a funeral for Jessica, a girl from church. Nobody had told Tayla much about what happened to her—all Tayla knew was that Jessica had taken her own life.

“I just don’t get it, Mom,” said Tayla. “I thought Jessica was a Christian. How could she do something like this?” Tayla’s eyes started filling with tears. She was friends with Jessica’s younger sister Summer, and Jessica used to take the two of them out for ice cream when Tayla went over to their house. She seemed like a nice, normal teenager.

Turning Tayla around, Mom hugged her tightly. “Sometimes things happen that we don’t understand, but nothing is ever out of God’s hands,” Mom assured her.

After the funeral service ended, Tayla hugged Summer goodbye and then climbed into the car with Mom. “Mom, is Jessica in heaven?” asked Tayla.

“I don’t know, honey,” said Mom. “If she truly trusted Jesus as her Savior, she’s in heaven.”

Tayla was still upset. “I just don’t know why she did it.”

“Sometimes even Christians listen to the wrong voices,” said Mom. “The Bible says that the devil is like a lion, looking for those he can devour. He doesn’t want us to believe God’s promises—he wants us to believe his own lies, and that’s always very, very dangerous.” Mom squeezed Tayla’s hand. “Always remember that God promises to be with you, Tayla, no matter what. Jesus died and rose again to save you from sin and death and to give you eternal life. Because of Him, you always have hope, even when things seem hopeless. Run to Him when you face pain and difficulties, and run away from Satan’s lies.”

–Emily Tenter

How About You?

Has Satan been telling you lies? The devil wants to hurt people by telling them God won’t forgive them for things they’ve done or that there’s no way out of a difficult situation they’re facing. Don’t believe it! Jesus died for our sins so we could have life, and He promises to be with us in everything we face. Stand firm in God’s truth, and if you or someone you know is having trouble fighting Satan’s lies, talk to a trusted adult immediately.

Today’s Key Verse: John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Run from Satan’s lies