This is an old video but a relevant message.

God is powerful - he made the universe. That power dwelt in Jesus and was so great that people were healed when they just touched him. Luke 6:19 says, All the people tried to touch him, for power was going out from him and healing them all. Did you know that same power lives in you?

Ephesians 1:18-20
I ask that your minds may be opened to see his light, so that you will know what is the hope to which he has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people, and how very great is his power at work in us who believe. This power working in us is the same as the mighty strength which he used when he raised Christ from death and seated him at his right side in the heavenly world.

So, what does that mean? In my experience, when life gets hard, God gives me the power to keep going. He helps, encourages, comforts and strengthens me.

2 Corinthians 1:3
Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the merciful Father, the God from whom all help comes!

2 Corinthians 7:6
But God, who encourages the downhearted, encouraged us with the coming of Titus.

Philippians 2:1
His love comforts you.

2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and keep you safe from the Evil One.

How do I plug into that power? Just like you need to plug the toaster in to the electrical socket to make it work, you need to plug into God to receive his power. You can do this through reading the Bible, prayer and worship. If you're feeling like you need more of his power plug into God.

According to Paul in Ephesians 4, Jesus called some people to be evangelists. The word actually means someone who brings good news. I think all of us are called to be evangelists because of what Jesus said in Mark 16:15, Go and preach the good news to everyone in the world. You don't have to be a pastor or have your own tv show. You can talk to your friends and family. You don't have to know the Bible back to front or have studied at Bible College. You just need to be able to tell people what Jesus has done for you. So next time you get the opportunity to tell someone about Jesus - go for it. He will help you to know what to say.

I'm reading this book at the moment and loving the lessons that Bianca draws from the story of Ruth about how to live life well. It is an open, honest look at life lessons she has learned and wants to pass on to other young women. She covers dating and relationships, faith and spirituality and adulting and growing up. I highly recommend it for older teens.

Today is "R U OK Day" in Australia. I think that a lot of people assume that Christians are happy all of the time and that's just not true. Just because you're a Christian doesn't mean that life is all sunshine and rainbows. We live in a fallen world and are subject to the same mental health challenges, physical illnesses, hormonal mood swings, disappointments, hardships and tough times as the rest of the world. Many mental health disorders are caused by chemical imbalances in the brain so it's not a matter of snapping out of it.

Mark 14:33 tells us that Jesus was "deeply distressed and troubled." Do you know what he did when that happened? He got on his knees and prayed. Here are three things to do if you are not okay:

1. Talk to God about it. Tell him honestly how you feel and ask for help. 1 Peter 5:7 says, Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you. 
2. Read the Bible, it is God's instruction book on how to live. 
3. Talk to someone about your struggles. There is power in talking about things. If necessary see a mental health professional.

I have a confession to make, I have been feeling down recently, lacking motivation and feeling overwhelmed. I talked to some friends and saw a psychologist who was able to offer some tools to get through this phase. There is no shame in asking for help - you would be surprised how many people who look like they have it together are actually falling to pieces or are getting help.

So, are you okay?