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Northeast Bible Church
19185 FM 2252
Garden Ridge, TX 78266
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May 2009 |
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As another school year wraps up, graduating seniors are contemplating the next stage in their lives. Whether kids are heading to college, the military, or full-time employment, this important milestone brings a mixture of excitement and uncertainty.
Those feelings aren't reserved for high school seniors. Whether they're 13 or 19, most young people question what the future holds for them. "What does God want me to do with my life? Should I go to college? If so, which one? What should I study? What do I want to be? Should I get married? If so, to whom?" Such questions can feel overwhelming, especially when they're combined with all the other emotions and pressures today's teenagers face.
Teenagers who know that God has their lives all planned out still might not know which particular direction he wants them to take. When big choices loom, Christians can bring their questions to God in prayer and can rely on the loving support of family members and friends.
As parents, your presence and guidance during times of decision-making is crucial. Although you can't make choices for your teenagers, you can help them recognize their talents and interests, research their options, set short- and long-term goals, and then get settled in the next stage of their lives. Use the information in this issue of "The Parent Link" to help your teenagers rely on God as they contemplate the future.
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Share with your teenagers this insightful excerpt from Group's Live Bible:
Yesterday I saw something new-a huge dog right in the middle of Wal-Mart. He was a seeing-eye dog, and he was leading his master through the perilous twists and bends of the personal- hygiene department. The man still had a mind of his own. He had an idea of the general direction to head toward and of the things he wanted. But he needed a good set of eyes to guide him.
That's a pretty clear picture of Jeremiah 29:4-14. God creatively weaves the Israelites through the hidden roadblocks they are oblivious to. He knows where to take them and how to make it safely through. We can fully expect God to do the same for us. God has a plan for each of us and a good set of eyes. God can easily create a path for us, even when we can't see the way.
Try closing your eyes tight and feeling your way around the house in the dark. As you do, imagine the things in your future you feel uncertain about: college, relationships, career path. Then pray. Thank God for his creative plans for you and for his gentle leadership guiding you safely through.
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Decisions, decisions. Teenagers seem to face one big choice after another. Check out these stats about teenagers and the future:
• 44% of teenagers say their top worry is getting good grades, and 32% say their top worry is getting into a good college.
(The Parent Institute)
• When teenagers were asked whether they wanted to follow the career path of their father or mother, 79% responded "neither."
(USA Today)
• 32% of teenagers expect to be famous someday.
(Psychology Today)
• According to various sources, about 80% of teenagers say they expect to get married someday.
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I am the first to admit that I didn't know how to go about planning my life for God. My mama never told me how. I wish she had. She did teach me a few things, like "Floss. Don't let your roots show. And wear clean underwear in case of an accident." But none of those things helped me figure out what God expected me to be and do. For me, discerning my purpose in life was a grueling process of hit and miss, of pouring my heart out to strangers, and of shedding buckets of tears. I wouldn't wish my method on anyone. By sharing these 26 lessons with your teenagers, you'll save them some frustration and legwork.
