Back to School: Staying Strong in Your Faith This Year

The backpacks are packed and a brand-new school year is here. For some of you, it’s exciting — new classes, friends, sports, and activities. For others, it’s… kind of overwhelming — the pressure to fit in, keep grades up, and figure out where you belong. No matter where you’re starting from, one thing’s for sure – school isn’t just about academics. It’s also a place where what you believe will be challenged and your faith will be put to the test.

The Pressure is Real
Maybe you’ve got friends who roll their eyes the second you mention church. Or teachers who dismiss your beliefs like they’re outdated. Or maybe it’s the constant scroll on social media pulling you towards things you know doesn’t honor God. That’s why you can’t just coast into the school year and hope for the best – you’ve got to step in with a game plan.

Three Ways to Stand Strong This Year

1. Start Your Day With God
   Before the bus comes or the first bell rings, give God the first few minutes of your day. Start your day off right by praying and reading scripture – even if it’s just one verse. When I was 17, I decided to start reading my Bible and praying every morning. I set my alarm 15 minutes earlier and it changed everything — not just how close I felt to God (James 4:8), but how I thought, how I reacted, and how I approached the day ahead. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” What you fill your heart with in the morning will guide your choices you make later.

2. Find Your People
   You don’t have to be surrounded by Christians 24/7, but you do need friends who will point you to Jesus instead of pulling you away from Him. “Bad company corrupts good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33). For me, that circle came from my church youth group – because I didn’t have many Christian friends at school. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Find the people who challenge you to grow in the faith, encourage you when you’re struggling, and sharpen you into the person God is calling you to be.

3. Remember Who You Belong To
   In high school, I tried to “fit in” with the crowd – but it never worked. That’s because Christians aren’t meant to blend in with the world. We’re called to stand out. To live differently. So, when you feel that pull to just go along with everyone else, remember this: you already belong. You belong to God who made you, knows you better than anyone else, and calls you His own. And when you know who you belong to, you can walk through the hallways with confidence, no matter what anyone else thinks.

Be The 25
This school year, determine to be all God made you to be. Stand strong in your faith, even when it’s hard or unpopular. Remember, God is right there with you – and so are we.
If you need encouragement, real stories to relate to, and biblical truth to help you keeping growing and keep going, check out Be The 25 Podcast. We’re here to help you stay strong in your faith journey with Jesus.

A Daily Prayer for Students
“Jesus, thank You for loving me and walking with me every day.
Please help me stand strong in my faith, even when things get tough or I feel like I don’t fit in.
Give me courage to be bold for You and wisdom to make choices that honor You.
Help me treat others with kindness and find friends who encourage me to grow closer to You.
Guide me in my classes, friendships, and every part of my day.
Protect me and bring me home safely each day.
When I’m stressed or worried, remind me to turn to You for peace and strength.
Thank You for always being by my side.
In Your name, Amen.”