Screen Time or God’s Time?

By, Alexis K.
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During the pandemic, I averaged five hours a day on my phone. Most of the time I would mindlessly scroll through TikTok, a trendy social media app where anyone can share entertaining videos. Once I finally realized how much my screen time was increasing from meaningless videos, I decided to limit my time on TikTok. I was ready to delete the app for good until a video of a Christian creator appeared on my feed. After watching the entire video, I began to see more posts with Christian content. 
 
I decided to keep TikTok because I began to learn new information about Jesus and drew closer to Him. People I didn’t even know were reading scriptures, explaining Bible verses, and praying on my screen! God knew I wasn’t done with TikTok yet, and He spoke to me through these people. It registered to me that I had been opening my phone more than my Bible, so I made a conscious decision to read the Bible more often. I wonder now how I ever went without doing that? I saw my relationship with God grow when I began reading my Bible and noticed things in my life changing. For example, I was so upset when I saw my closest friend drifting out of my life. I prayed and asked God that my friend wouldn’t forget about our friendship and that she would reach out to me. Not only did I turn to God first in this situation, but I remembered that God definitely had a reason for this. While I may not know why my friend and I aren’t as close anymore; I trust my Lord and the plan He has for me.  

“…The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
 
Furthermore, I had feelings I had never experienced before. I once had a strong urge to reach out to this one girl in my high school who I didn’t know that well. I brushed it off because I thought it would be strange for me to talk to someone about Jesus if I wasn’t friends with them. However, the feeling didn’t go away, and every day that week her and I crossed paths in some way. So that Friday night, I texted this girl about Jesus Christ and her response left me in awe. God has perfect timing as seen through her reply: “I’ve been trying to get more in tune with my faith.” 
 
“And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.” Mark 16:20
 
The growth I have recently experienced in my faith started on TikTok. I used the teachings I had learned and spread them along to others. I have changed my outlook on the world and worldly desires. I’m so excited to see how God will continue to use me and inspire me through TikTok. 
 
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22

Have you come into contact with someone or something that has drawn you closer to Jesus? How has that change made you feel? Feel free to leave comments, I’d love to respond! 

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