A teenager finds comfort and strength in God's Word after her brother joins the military.

At some point in our lives all of us have doubted God in some way or another. For some, it could be that they doubted that there really was a God. For others it could be that they doubted that there really was life after death. But for me, I found myself doubting whether God was really on my side or even if he really is with me always.

My brother and I have always been really close. From little on we were inseparable. We would spend all of our free time playing together. Recently he left to join the Air Force. Of course this was extremely hard for me since we had always spent so much time together. I felt like I had lost my best friend forever.

After my brother had been gone for about two weeks, we finally received a letter from him. In it he first wrote about how hard it was. He wrote how these weeks had been the worst days of his life. But then, towards the end, he started to write about the Word and how he relied on it so much. He said that he stayed up at night praying to God for as long as he could stay awake.

I thought to myself, If he can spend time praying to God and reading the Word, why can't I take time out of my life? My life consists of watching TV, hanging out with friends, and texting people. So, instead of spending most of my time feeling sorry for myself, worrying, or doubting God, I decided that I would spend my time reading about him and studying his Word.

One day, during my daily Bible study before bed, I found the passage in Romans chapter 8 that says, "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (v. 28). Before, I had never really thought about this. It is such a common passage, one that I probably have had memorized since about second grade, but it really stuck with me this time. It felt like God was speaking directly to me, telling me that everything was going to be okay. It all was going to work out for the best of everyone—not just for me but for my brother too.

After reading that passage again, I began to see things in a different light. I mean, don't get me wrong, I have always loved God and trusted in him, but I didn't realize how much I needed him or how he really makes me who I am. I also started praying more, telling him all my worries, wants, troubles, and things I am thankful for. Another thing I started doing was reading the Word more and finding comfort in all of the Word. All God's promises seemed to become even more important.