True stories for children - 10
Never Alone
Lauren's story:
I am 11 years old, and I have learned an important lesson this year: it's not easy to be a Christian sixth grader at a public school. One hard test came when my reading teacher told the class that she would be teaching out of the Harry Potter books. I was sure God didn't want me to read about witchcraft and spells, but I didn't want to object either. I don't like to be different and upset my friends. So I prayed. Then God gave me confidence to stand up for my religion and trust Him to help me through it.
I asked the teacher to let me read something else and she found me another book: A Wrinkle in Time. I had never heard of it, so I searched for it on the Internet. I found the website and read some information on it. It seemed just as bad as Harry Potter.
The teacher told me to choose a book from her bookshelf. But it was full of witchcraft books! When I was almost ready to give up, I saw Charlotte's Web. That was the best I could find.
One day she played wiccan music in class using the computer. When it started playing, all of a sudden I could feel like a force coming in to me. Then I noticed it was not a good one. It felt like I was being taken over by something. We were supposed to be taking a test, but I felt myself getting too relaxed to even think. It felt like I was in another world and could not get out of it.
So I started to pray. As soon as I did, the force left me and I continued to take my test. Then it came back over me again. This time it was worse and more scary. I prayed again saying "God please make it go away." Just then the bell rang. I have never been so glad to get out of class as I was that day.
My teacher loves Harry Potter and all kinds of witchcraft and wizardry. She just ordered new books for the bookshelf. One of them is Lord of the Rings. All involve witchcraft.
She was reading a new book the other day and told us the title. The words sounded occult, so I checked it on the Internet. The search brought up about six witchcraft sites. I quickly closed them again. I was glad she didn't read the book out loud to the class.
The worse part is that she tell us that witchcraft is not real. The class seems to believe her. They think witchcraft is fun and games. One person ordered a Harry Potter kit which teaches you how to do spells. The teacher used it during class one day. Everyone seemed to love the magic and the special power! They saw nothing wrong with it since they believe it's all just fantasy. I know that's not true, but the class would rather listen to her than to me.
At first, I was not that worried about all the lessons on witchcraft, because my principal is a faithful Christian. I thought he would understand how bad this is. But he saw nothing wrong with it. When I realized that he approved of it, then I got more concerned. Later, the school board told my parents that our teacher can make us read anything she wants since it's a reading class. Parents can't do anything about it.
It is very hard. Today, when I got to the class that uses the Harry Potter books, there was a satanic star drawn in the top left corner of my desk. I felt sad, because I know that my values offend many of my classmate. They want me to go along with everything.
But I know it's much better to follow God than my peers. Everything is in His hands, and He will always be there for me. When my peers want me to love things that are wrong, He is always ready to help me fight for what is right. He even helps me through a teacher in our school. She is on my side, and every day she tells me not to give up.
Even my two friends that are against Harry Potter are trying to please their peers. So after seeing how they act, I know I need to stand up for God. I think the hardest part is when I pass by my teacher and hear her talking about me. Some of the things she says are not true. Then I try to remember how Jesus was hated and mocked. He stood alone and died a painful death for us. Now I can give something back to Him.
A scripture that encourages me is 1 Peter 5:8-9. It reminds me that I am not the only one going through this.
God's Word:
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are under going the same kind of suffering. " 1 Peter 5:8-9
Let's talk about it:
1. In what ways did that "enemy" attack Lauren?
2. What did Lauren know about God and His power?
3. How did she win each battle?
4. How might satan attack you? (See this page for additional insights: The Nature and Tactics of Satan. Notice that God is far greater than all the people and forces that oppose Him.)
What can you do to resist Him?
5. What does Jeremiah 1:7-8 promise those who follow God?
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.... Rejoice and be exceedingly glad...” Matthew 5:10,12