From Kimberly: As a special birthday gift, I’ve been saving this wonderful surprise! I’m so excited to introduce our newest guest author, my 15-year-old niece, Hazel Painter. Hazel’s love for Jesus shines brightly through her life and her writing. We’re honored to share her devotional, and we pray she’ll continue inspiring us often!
Hi, my name is Hazel Painter. I am a 15-year-old freshman at Veritas Scholars Academy, and I am writing this devotional from my own experience and through lessons God has been teaching me about zeal. Being a student can be a lot sometimes. There are days when I feel full of energy and excitement, ready to take on every subject and assignment. However, other days, I feel distracted or unmotivated. It is easy to go through the motions, doing what needs to be done without much thought or joy. But through my ups and downs, God has been gently reminding me that even my schoolwork is a way to serve Him. He wants my effort, my heart, and my excitement. He wants me to work with zeal.
In 2 Kings 13, the prophet Elisha told King Joash to strike the ground with arrows. This action was meant to show Joash’s faith and trust in God’s power to give victory. Joash obeyed, but only part way. He struck the ground three times and then stopped. Although he did what Elisha said, he lacked energy and passion. Because of that, Elisha told him that he would only defeat Syria three times instead of completely destroying it. Joash’s half-hearted obedience showed a lack of zeal and trust in God.
That story makes me think about my own attitude sometimes. There are times when I do what I am supposed to do, but not with the right heart. I might rush through my homework just to get it done, but deep down I know that God wants something more from me. He wants me to do everything with love and purpose, no matter how small the task may seem.
You may be asking, “Hazel, what do you mean by zeal?” “Zeal” can be defined as having great energy, passion, and enthusiasm toward a goal. When I act with zeal, I am not just going through the motions. Instead, I am putting my heart into what I am doing. Too often, I lose that excitement and work carelessly instead of joyfully. I forget that every assignment, every conversation, and every small act can be done for God’s glory. When I work without zeal, I miss the opportunity to honor Him through my actions.
Why does zeal matter?
Zeal is not about trying to impress other people or striving for perfect grades. It is about honoring God with a willing spirit. Romans 12:11 states, “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” This verse demonstrates that God calls us to serve Him with enthusiasm and energy, not with lackluster effort.
Another verse that encourages me is Colossians 3:23-24, which declares, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” God does not want you to just get things done. He wants you to do them heartily, with love and joy, because when you work that way, you are truly serving Him. When I remember that my work is for the Lord and not just for people, even ordinary things like studying or helping around the house start to feel more meaningful.
How can we show zeal?
For me, showing zeal starts with changing how I look at my responsibilities. My schoolwork is not separate from my faith. Every subject I study and every assignment I complete is a chance to glorify God. Learning is not only about gaining knowledge, but also about becoming more diligent, disciplined, and devoted to the Lord. Lamentations 3:22-23 proclaims, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” These verses help me see that each new day is a fresh start. God’s mercy renews from within and gives us another chance to live with zeal. No matter how yesterday went, we can always begin again and choose to serve God with energy and joy today.
When I aim my “arrows,” that is, my actions, my thoughts, and my efforts, with the joy of getting to serve God, He uses even the smallest things I do to bring Him glory. He takes my everyday work and turns it into something beautiful.
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Colossians 3:17
When we give our best effort with a thankful heart, we are not just completing tasks. We are worshipping God through all we do. Every day, God gives us opportunities to serve Him with zeal. Even studying for a test or writing an essay, can be done joyfully for His glory. When we surrender fully to God, His heart is in everything we do, and we are showing God that we love Him and trust Him with all that we have.
Hi! I’m Hazel Painter, a high school freshman who loves creativity—painting, drawing, piano, reading, and writing. These passions help me see God’s beauty in everyday life.
I recently earned my black belt in taekwondo, a journey that taught me perseverance, humility, and faith. Through every challenge, God reminded me that true strength begins with trusting Him.
My relationship with God shapes everything I do, and I hope to use the gifts He’s given me to honor Him and encourage others.
