Dear Seniors and Young Adults
I write this letter because I understand that this week is stressful and confusing. I know that when the pressure is on to make a decision it is easy to forget what is most important. I will attempt to keep this letter as short as possible because I understand that even reading this letter if taking precious time that you need to make a decision. I just want to remind you of what is most important. I want to share with you how I make big life decisions. This is the beginning of your life as an adult. How you start to make decisions will guide the way you make decisions for the rest of your life.
- Prayer Is Primary
- Life is About Relationships
- God’s Word is Truth
- Safety in Wise Council
- Stewardship is Safe and Smart
- Life is taken by Trust
1.Prayer is Primary
Prayer is really the act of aligning our heart to God’s heart. Prayer changes things, mostly you. In the Lord’s Prayer we are told to first remember who God is before we bring our requests before Him. This mean remembering that He is our Savior, Creator, Provider, Protector, Lord, Friend, Comforter, Companion, Bridegroom, Father, Beloved, Counselor, and the list goes on and on. Can you apply these names of God to your current situation already? Can you feel the overwhelming peace that crashes over your soul as you meditate upon your Savior? Prayer starts with remembering who He is and ends with requesting what we need. Imagine how different your prayer would be when you think through the lens of the Recipient of your petition! Start with remembering who God is. As has been said before, “Don’t tell God how big your circumstances are but tell your circumstances how big your God is!”
Matthew 7:11-If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18-Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7-Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Matthew 6:31-34-“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Life Is About Relationships
Matthew 22:36-37-36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
It is clear throughout God’s Word that relationship is the first most important thing in life. The primary relationship is to the Lord. Can you think of a more important relationship than the one to your Savior?
When I make a big life decision I always ask this most important question, “Will this bring me closer to the Lord?” Be honest with this question. Ask it different ways, “Will going to this college bring me closer to the Lord?” Don’t compromise in your response to this question because it will effect the rest of your life!
Secondly, will this decision bring you closer to those most important relationships in your life? Parents, siblings, friends. This doesn’t mean you never move out but will your choice put a wedge between you and your parents? Parents are essential till the day you get married. And they are still sorta important even after that. :p Matthew 19:5 “and said, ‘FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH ‘?” From what I see in scripture you are still under your parents care until you get married so take advantage of their wisdom and experience not their wallet only. It is an interesting balance but remember you need to respect them and don’t forget the ally you have in them.
3.God’s Word Is Truth
John 17:17 “Sanctify them by your truth. Your Word is truth.”
In God’s Word is the very word of God. Utilize this valuable resource when you make a decision. God will speak to you in dramatic ways when you pour all you are into seeking Him in His Word. When I was 18 years old, I was about to purpose to Megan. I was terrified and didn’t know what I was doing. I prayed and asked the the relationship questions mentioned above but I needed confirmation. The Lord led me to 1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” The Lord confirmed that I did not to fear because we loved Him and we love each other. I knew exactly what I was suppose to do and the rest is history.
Jeremiah 29:13-And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
4.Safety in Wise Council
Proverbs 11:14-Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
Proverbs 24:6-For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.
Proverbs 15:5-A fool despises his father’s instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent.
To many High School seniors do not heed their parents advice and face the consequences. I understand that there are exceptions to the rule but your parents are your best resource. Why? Because they have been there before and they know you better than ANYONE knows you! Listen to them.
I use wise council heavily in my life! I think this the one principle that has brought me much success. I have chosen to learn from others mistakes not my own. I want to learn from the wise and gentle. How do you chose your counselors? 1. Do they know what they are talking about? 2. Do they care about your situation? 3. Do they know the Lord? 4. Are they someone that I want to be like?
5.Stewardship is Safe and Smart
Proverbs 22:7-The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender.
You will always be richer with less debt. Megan and I have fought and fought to not carry debt in our lives. When I was 19 years old and about to get married. I had a man tell me the best thing that I would do was “get a loan and buy a house because the market is just going up and up.” That was 2006. In 2008 the market crashed and houses have not been selling in Borrego Springs for the same amount they sold for in 2006. Debt imprisons the borrower. Does this mean that we never go into debt? No. Just make sure that you do it with caution and consideration. I don’t have enough time to explain this principle but be careful!
6.Life is Taken by Trust
When you look at Hebrews 11 you see great men and women of faith that trusted God and were rewarded for it. If they would not have stepped out in faith they would have known the great things that God had planned for their lives. Sometimes it takes a step of faith.
Hebrews 11:8-10-By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
God has great plans for your life! Megan and I are available for you the next few days to talk about these big life choices! Use these principles. To review.
Pray and set your heart right with God. Ask the questions, “Will this bring me closer to the Lord?” and “Will this bring me closer to my family and friends?” Then seek God in His Word. Then get council on the direction that you have been given. Be careful not to go in debt. Don’t trust man, trust God. Grab ahold of the great plans He has for you!
Proverbs 3:5-7-Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
Psalm 118:8-9-It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.
