THE CONCERT Present Day.... Makayla wanted to attend a concert with Davon and another friend, but it fell on the same night as youth Bible study. Since Trevon had already allowed her to miss the previous study for another social event, he told her she couldn't go. Makayla went anyway. She pretended to leave for Bible study but went to the concert instead. Trevon discovered the truth after hearing that Bible study had been canceled and realizing Makayla still hadn't returned home. When confronted, Makayla argued that she attends nearly every church event and didn't believe missing another Bible study meant she wasn't putting God first. Trevon disagreed. To him, when faith competes with something we want, God should come first. That raised a bigger question: Does putting God first always mean putting church first? But Trevon raised another: Even if Makayla disagreed with his decision, was lying ever justified? And Davon knew she wasn't supposed to attend, but went with her anyway. What do you think? Was Trevon right about putting God first? And is lying ever okay in any circumstance? Share your perspective below 👇

👣 This Week's Faithful Step: Take a moment to examine one influence in your life. Ask yourself: Is this helping me walk in the way God has called me to walk? 💬 Reflection Question What influences in your life make it easier to follow God's direction, and which ones sometimes pull you away from it? Blessings to you always 💜

Sometimes we need someone to stand with us. If there's something you'd like prayer or support for, you're welcome to share it here. You don't have to tell your whole story or share anything you're uncomfortable sharing. And when you see someone else's request, don't just scroll past if you feel led to support them. Leave an encouraging word, let them know you're praying, or simply remind them they're not alone. Need prayer today? Create a post here 💜 Blessings to you always, Faith Coach Marquies (Marquies McCray)

WHEN YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND Years Earlier.... Trevon is 16. He believes in God. He prays. He goes to church. Faith has been part of his life for as long as he can remember. His grandmother, Irene, has been one of the strongest influences on his faith. She's taught him to pray, trust God, and hold onto his faith even when life becomes difficult. And lately, life has been difficult. Things at home don't feel the way they once did. His relationship with his mother, Keisha, has changed in ways Trevon doesn't completely understand. He knows she loves him. He loves her too. But some days their conversations leave him questioning himself. Other days, he misses how things used to feel. And there are things happening in his life that he has prayed about, things he desperately wants God to change. Some of them haven't changed. One evening, Trevon sits quietly in his bedroom. His Bible is open in front of him. Nearby is a photograph of his mom and grandma. He looks at the picture for a while. Then back at his Bible. Irene has told him to trust God. Trevon wants to. But what does trusting God look like when you don't understand what He's allowing? The longer Trevon sits there, the more his thoughts begin turning toward himself. Maybe I'm doing something wrong. Maybe some of this is my fault. Maybe God is trying to tell me something and I'm just not getting it. He's even found himself wondering whether some of the smallest mistakes he's made could somehow explain why life feels this way. Trevon hasn't stopped believing in God. He isn't rejecting his faith. He's a 16-year-old trying to reconcile what he believes about God with what he's experiencing in his life. And right now... the two don't seem to fit. 💭 What do you see? Before trying to fix Trevon's situation, sit with him for a moment. What's happening inside Trevon right now? Share what you see below. 👇

NEW HERE? Introduce Yourself Before you explore, we'd love to hear a little about you. Introduce yourself and finish this sentence: “Right now, I could use support or growth in…” Your answer can be about your faith, family, relationships, work, personal growth, something you're navigating—or anything else that brought you here. Share as much or as little as you're comfortable with. And while you're here, welcome someone else too. We're glad you're here. Blessings to you always, Faith Coach Marquies