Daily Devotional for February 2, 2023
A New Look
“I love the glasses you picked out, Elena,” Mom said when she and Elena arrived home from the eye doctor. “They look so good on you!”
Elena sighed as she took off her coat and hung it up. “That’s what they said at the doctor’s office too, but…” She took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes. “But I really don’t want to wear my glasses to school tomorrow, Mom. What if kids make fun of me?”
“Oh, Elena, lots of kids wear glasses, and yours look very nice,” Mom told her. “Don’t be afraid to let the kids at school see that you wear glasses now. If anyone gives you a hard time about it, let me know, but I’m sure the kids will get used to your new look in no time.”
Elena looked at the glasses in her hand. “I guess you’re right,” she said as she slipped them back on. “Being teased isn’t as bad as not being able to see well.”
“That’s right.” Mom set her purse on the table and hung up her coat. “You know, I remember being afraid of being teased for my new look when I was about your age.”
“Really?” Elena flopped down on the couch. “Did you get glasses then too?”
“No,” Mom replied. “I was afraid kids would tease me if they knew I was a Christian.”
“Oh,” said Elena. “I guess that’s a much bigger change than getting new glasses!”
Mom nodded. “I was a new Christian, and I was thrilled to be a follower of Jesus and have Him in my life. But when I was with my friends, I still talked and acted the way I always had. I had a new life, but I was afraid my friends would tease me if I let them see the change Jesus had made in me.” Mom smiled at Elena. “Just like you need to put on your new glasses, I needed to put on my new self. I was afraid to do that—we all are sometimes—but God worked in my heart and helped me be brave enough to show my friends my new look.”
Elena smiled. “I’ll be brave tomorrow!” she declared. “I’ll put on my new glasses, and I’ll trust God to help me put on my new self too!”
-Rita Valladares
How about you?
Are you afraid of being laughed at because you’re a Christian? Are you hesitant to let your friends see the difference Jesus makes in your life? He has made you a new person, and He will help you take off your old self and put on your new one. Remember that He is with you and will give you courage, even if people make fun of you. Trust Him to help you show others the new life He’s given you.
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