Monday, July 10, 2017

What are You Going to Do with Your Life? (Now that You Have Graduated)

"What are you going to do with your life now that you have graduated?" is the typical question that every high school or college graduate is presented with by friends and family.  Even though people are just trying to make conversation and to encourage the graduate in his future challenges, there is a more serious aspect to the question.  Many graduates are only thinking about getting out of their current school and do not have a thoughtful answer, because they have not really stopped to ask themselves this question in a long-term way.  However, graduation is a good time to seek and ask God what is His plan for your life.
Misty Edwards has written a powerful book entitled, "What is the Point?" in which she shares her challenge to find meaning in life and to give herself to something that really matters.  The truth is that each of us has to face that basic question at some point; otherwise, we could not survive or have the inner strength to fulfill our daily responsibilities.  We need a reason for living and doing what we do.

The secular world suggests the answer is to find something where you can make money and have all the pleasures and luxury that life affords.  However, there is something else far more important to consider.  Ecclesiastes declares that God has put eternity in our hearts.  Most people have a deep desire to do something with their lives that matters (even forever), that in some way contributes something to mankind that produces a measure of satisfaction.  Yet even stronger than this general longing is the revelation found Ephesians 2:10, that clearly states "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."  What an amazing thought, that God has specific works prepared for each of us to do!  All we need to do is find out what they are and do them.

Back to the key issue: What are you going to do?  How are you going to find out what those works are?  Jesus knew we would need direction, so that is why He promised to send another comforter ("another" meaning like Himself) who would guide us into all truth. The Holy Spirit is given to all who ask and is here to help us find this truth.   Romans 8:14 declares "as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God."  We can know the Spirit's leading, and proceed knowing with confidence our relationship with God.  

First of all, to be a son of God, one must let the Holy Spirit reveal Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, as the One who paid the price (His blood) for your sins and to whom you willingly commit your life. 

Secondly, God promises to give to those who ask.  Ask the Holy Spirit to show you God's plan.  It sounds so simple a little child could do it, which is the point.  Simply come as a little child admitting you need His help and trust Him to guide you through His peace.  As Colossians 3:15 points out, we are to "let the peace of God rule in our hearts..."  (The Amplified actually states "continually be the umpire").  So to the best of your knowledge, begin doing what is on your heart, what you feel is right.  Then let God re-direct you and guide you with His peace as you calmly present each step to Him in prayer and quietness. 

God is not mocked and cannot lie, so it follows He will faithfully guide each one who asks Him and trusts Him.  Sometimes we see this clearer when we look back at how God has led us through many ways into the place we now are.  Each one of us does not have to be some kind of big hero, but just simply be content as the person He has made us and doing the work that He has led us to do.  The rest of that Colossians 3:15 verse says "and be thankful."  With thankfulness, enjoy the peace and presence of God in all you do.  Since you are His workmanship, He will lead you into the work He has prepared for you.  He made you for this!
 

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