You have reached the age where it is time to start looking to the future and how to proceed… but you have no idea where to begin. There are so many big decisions and choices you are going to need to make that just the thought of that kind of responsibility scares you. Growing up is not only a big part of life but also a very big adjustment. It is like going into unknown territory. Sometimes all you have to do is take a leap of faith and jump in.
But you do not have to deal with this on your own. You have friends and family to help guide you on the crazy ride of life and independence. The best part about all of this is that you have God to help you. In times when you feel alone, know that God is with you every step of the way. “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8).
This next chapter of life is an exciting time. This is where you can discover on your own who you are and what you want to do with the rest of your life. Whether it is college, work, marriage, or whatever you choose – you are not going to have to face it alone. There will be hardships and obstacles that come your way but just as the saying goes: “What does not kill you makes you stronger”. God will throw you curveballs on occasion, and even then He gives you the strength to take them and rise afterward.
So in everything you go through in life, make sure you keep God at the center of it all. When we are left to our own devices, we stray and focus on ourselves. “Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil” (Proverbs 1:31-33).
Sadly, this stage of life is when most Christians stop going to church on their own. I assure you, there has never been a more perfect time to go. Depending on where you find yourself, you may end up going to a different church than that of your childhood. This gives you the opportunity of finding a church community for yourself. Finding one is not necessarily easy, but it is well worth it. Nothing is better than growing in your faith surrounded by other like-minded Christians.
Starting on your own is scary but also not the end of the world. God, the perfect author, is by your side one-hundred percent of the time. This is the time to prove that you are responsible and capable of so many things. The beginning chapter of your story may just be starting, but it is going to be a truly amazing story.
