Transformed – teen devotion – April 20, 2025

One key truth: When life stings, real hope is found in the empty tomb.

“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:55-57

Ouch, that stings!

Here’s a funny (and slightly embarrassing) story for you. Picture this: a slightly out-of-shape pastor reaches into the deck box to grab the patio cushions after a long winter. Just as he pulls one out—BAM! A sharp sting shoots through his hand. His reaction? Hurl the cushion into the air and run around the yard, arms flailing, voice an octave higher, screaming, “WASPS!” at the top of his lungs. His kids? Watching through the patio door, asking their mom, “Uh… is Dad okay?”

What’s something that has stung you lately? Maybe a tough breakup? A friendship that fell apart? A loss in the family? We’re surrounded by Easter baskets full of candy, but sometimes life just stings.

Paul’s letter to the Corinthians reminds us that we have something better than a tube of anti-itch cream—we have a risen Savior. For people in Corinth who thought they had all the wisdom and worshiped man-made gods, the idea of Jesus rising from the dead was mind-blowing.

For us? Paul says we preach Christ crucified, but even more importantly, we preach Christ risen. That truth is the best medicine we could ever have. There will be days—maybe even today—when you feel like you’re running around, arms flailing, overwhelmed by life’s stings. But none of that changes your status in Jesus. Even when life stings, you can stand firm, knowing Jesus has already paid for your sins and defeated death once and for all.

The gospel will always be better than any cushion you could hide behind—just watch out for the wasps.

Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for taking the ultimate sting of death for me. When life stings, help me find peace in your presence. Amen.