Bible Reading: Jeremiah 29:11-14
If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me. Jeremiah 29:13
JASON JUST started his senior year of high school. Since he was eight, he was sure he wanted to study biology-until he actually took biology, that is, and found he had to do dissections with one hand on the knife and the other holding his nose.
Besides that discouraging experience, Jason keeps hearing about the poor job outlook for biologists and the high educational requirements to succeed in the field. When his older sister lands a high-paying computer job straight out of technical school, Jason thinks about bypassing college altogether. And on top of everything else, Jason wonders what God thinks of any of his plans for his life.
Jason faces some of the same choices you might face soon. And he’s asking the biggest question about his future: Where does God want me to head in life?
“How can I know God’s will?” is a question Christian leaders often hear from students. Some talk about it. Others worry about it. Some even lose sleep over it. These students burst with sincere, serious questions about God’s will.
Why is God’s will such a big deal for people your age? Because you face the three most important decisions of your life:
- You’re deciding who will guide your life-your master. If you’ve trusted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and intend to live your life according to his Word, you’re headed in the right direction.
- You’re deciding if you will marry and whom you will marry-your mate. A marriage decision is doubly difficult because it takes two to tie the knot. You both have to see God’s will the same way.
- You’re deciding what you will do with your life-your mission-and what preparation you need to accomplish your goals.
God loves you and has a great plan for your life. Jeremiah 29: 11 declares,.. ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’ “God also promises, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you” (Psalm 32:8, NIV).
Even if you aren’t yet wallowing in confusion about God’s will, you can plan on facing some questions about how to spend your life. You can also plan that God will be with you to figure out the answers.
REFLECT: What kind of plans does God have for your life?
PRAY: Have you ever told God you want to do his will before you even know what it is? Now would be a great time to do that.
