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I am going through a real tough time at school. I have been transferred into a higher-grade level. As a result, I have lost most of my friends. I cannot concentration on my studies, and I am getting really bad grades. I try to get closer to God every day; instead I seem to get further away. I want to go back to Egypt. Please help me get closer to God.

First, I admire your ability to examine your situation and request help. I want to encourage you to share these feelings with your spiritual father, and always seek him out when you feel helpless. We are all called at times to face some challenging situations. Our faith in God gives us reason to be optimistic. Perhaps you are called to a higher level of faith than before.

You and I are not permitted to view life's road from beginning to end. We both travel our roads by faith. The Holy Book of II Corinthians 5:7 tell us, "We walk by faith, and not by sight." In this verse we are plainly told that as our faith increases, confidence will take over and direct our steps along life's path. It further saves us from pessimism. King David declared in the Holy Book of Psalms 27:13 "I had fainted unless I had believed to see the Goodness of the Lord in the land of the living."

As long as we live, there is always hope. Today gives us opportunity to redeem yesterday's failures. The Holy Book of Ephesians 5:16 states, "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Every day gives us another chance. Each day is a day to attain!

Do you know that every good deed will eventually return to bless its doer? The Holy Book of Ecclesiastes 11:1 tells us "Cast thy bread upon the waters for thou shalt find it after many days." Keep attempting your best, this is all God is asking of you. You did so well in the previous grade I have faith that you will do the same in this new grade.

Many Biblical "Greats" did not start with successful endeavors. Moses complained of speech difficulties (Exodus 4:10); Joseph was sold into slavery (Genesis 37:23-28); Peter and John did not have a notable education (Acts 4:13); St. Paul had a "thorn in his side" (II Corinthians 12:7); and we are told of St Timothy's stomach ailments. We are not told that these "greats" buried themselves in pessimistic thoughts. Instead, they used their trials in life for a bigger measure of strength, and they became greater through the endearing grace of our Lord!

With all the ups and downs of life, we are challenged to be strong and to persevere. I am quite sure the adjustment to a grade promotion, and to life in the States will take place in the "fullness of time." If you are having difficulty finding friends and activities that will enrich your life, I suggest you try the church. She will furnish you with both friendship and spirituality; and she will certainly fulfill all your needs. Join a youth group and find a Holy Bible Study. If there is not one readily available, be the ONE to start it.

Abrupt changes in life are often blessings in disguise. It is my prayer that you do not wait for life's good opportunities to seek you out; but rather, through earnest prayer, and diligence, you find them. "Seek and ye shall find" (Matthew 7:7). God bless you in all your endeavors.