Congratulations! You successfully made it to the end of high school (almost) and will soon be well on your way to the next chapter of your life. Some of you already have the next few years planned out and can’t wait to spread your wings of independence and leave your mark in the world. Others of you still have absolutely no idea what you’re going to do and are beginning to feel a bit stressed out at what lies ahead. If you fit in this category don’t stress too much. The ones that seemingly have it all figured out will quickly learn that life doesn’t always go as planned. In fact, the average college student changes majors at least twice before ever graduating. What does that tell you? It’s ok not to know what you’re going to do next. You’ll probably change your mind 37 times anyway!  It’s ok if you haven’t picked a future career yet. Why? Because the vast of students entering college have no idea who they are, much less whom they are to become. While you are still trying to figure out who you are and what you’re going to do, I want to simplify the process for you and let you know what God’s will is for your life. Do I have your attention? Good, now go grab a pen and paper and write this down!

As you begin this new chapter of your life, it is God’s will for you to seek His will above all else. Matthew 6:33 commands us to seek His will first, then everything else will fall into place. How do you seek His will? Stay in the Word and bathe yourself in prayer each and every day. Satan wants nothing more than to destroy you and your testimony, so determine now that you will saturate your life with prayer and scripture. If you’re not careful you will be tempted to seek what seems best in your eyes and not your Father’s. There are far too many students who enter college or the workplace and they have no clue what their spiritual gifts are and how those gifts and abilities could enhance their future career. God made you with unique gifts, talents, and abilities that are to be used to bring Him glory. Do you know what special gifts He has given you? Do your dreams and goals allow you to utilize those God-given gifts and abilities? There is far more to life than getting a great job and making great money. Stop trying to figure out what YOU want to do with your life and ask God what HE wants for your life.

In addition to seeking the Lord’s will above all else, I can say without reservation that it is God’s will for you to remain pure and holy as you enter into the “real world.” For some of you, you are getting ready to be out of the house and on your own for the first time. (I keep seeing the Braveheart scene in my head where William Wallace screams “FREEDOM”). While this opportunity will allow you to mature, it also presents many temptations. 1 Peter 1:16 commands us to “Be holy because He is holy.” The next few years can be the greatest years of your life as you meet new friends and make memories that will last a lifetime, or it can be the worst years of your life and be filled with regrets and heartache. Stay faithful to God! You’ll be tempted to finally get to sleep in on Sundays but determine now you’ll be in church. You’ll be tempted to go to places you know you shouldn’t go but determine you’re going to please the Lord. You’re going to meet new people. Determine now that you’re going to surround yourself with individuals who will make you a better person and stronger Christian (Proverbs 27:17). If you truly want to soar like an eagle refuse to surround yourselves with chickens! This world is full of followers, be a leader.

Lastly, it is God’s will for you to be patient in all that you do. Don’t buy into the lie that you have to know everything now. Life is a journey so enjoy the ride! God is going to bring people and circumstances into your life that will help shape you into the person He wants you to become. When trying to figure out what to major in, wait on the Lord. When trying to figure out who to date or who to marry, wait on the Lord. So many folks want the finished product without the process. Enjoy the process and grow in the Lord. Trust in Him with all your heart and He promised He will direct your path (Proverbs 3:5). That same verse warns us not to trust in our own understanding as we will surely make a mess of things. He has plans for you that you cannot even begin to imagine if you will only learn to wait on Him and trust Him with all your heart!

I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for each of you graduates as you enter this new chapter in your life. May the next chapter(s) be better than the first, and I pray that you will learn now to trust in the Lord and let Him guide you day by day. Your parents, friends, teachers, and even spiritual leaders will let you down but Jesus will never fail you. Stay faithful to God and enjoy the ride. It may get bumpy and scary at times, but oh what a ride!

Praying for you all,
Dustin