Dear College Graduates,

Dear College Graduate,
By now you have walked the stage, loaded that last  box into the car (finally), and taken your last picture in your cap and gown. You are probably thinking, "Wow! How did four years go by that fast!?" I just spent the weekend celebrating my sister's graduation from The University of Texas and I was thinking to myself, "What do I wish I had known two years ago when I graduated?" I thought, prayed, and 3 words came to mind: change, fun, and trust.

Your "twenty-somethings" is probably the biggest time of change in your life - so get ready. There's a good chance jobs, cities, friend groups, apartments, or career paths will change altogether. You will be in weddings - or have one of your own. You will learn to pay your income tax, create a budget, save and tithe money. If something isn't changing, wait an hour. I don't mean to say this to intimidate you. I am saying this to encourage you. Change is good. Change means growth. Change means relying on the One and only unchangeable thing in the universe: God. When everything around you is shifting, uncertain, or even uncomfortable at times, your loving Father says, “For I am the Lord, I do not change" (Malachi 3:6). Now more than ever you must have your feet planted on the solid ground of Jesus Christ. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).  Without abiding in Christ and deepening your relationship with Him, the devil will use change as a source of  doubt, fear, and unbelief. You get transferred to a new city and the enemy wants you to think, "Does God really know what He's doing?" Your friend gets married, and the liar puts the "Am I ever going to get married?!" question into your head. Your rent is due and the thief makes you wonder, "Will God provide?" King's daughter, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy" your joy about life after graduation, "but I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). Abundantly means a life superior, extraordinary, surpassing, and uncommon*- which means that as you abide in Christ, His goodness and abundance is yours in Christ. Trust that despite all the changes, He has an abundant plan for your life. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11).

‘On Christ the solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand.’

- Edward Mote, from the hymn The Solid Rock

THE FUN IS NOT OVER. Though you might not be going to dollar beer Tuesdays, mixers on Wednesday, late nights on Thursdays, formals on Fridays, and a day party followed by downtown on Saturdays, post-grad life is still FUN, very fun. Though it takes a little more effort than yelling across the hall of your dorm and a little more energy after a full work day, plans are phone call, text, email, or Facebook message away. Gather the small group Bible study, call up a friend for a walk or Saturday brunch, plan the happy hour, look up the local events, and host the costume party on a holiday or the BBQ during the big game. In the past two years, I have gone to new restaurants, concerts, arts festivals, and museums. I have volunteered at local charities, joined organizations, led a high school girl's Bible study, and mentored a precious 7th grade girl from an inner city school. Post-grad life has brought trips to new cities, weekend getaways, visits to friend's ranches and farms, and discoveries in my own city. Don't think the fun ends in college - the fun begins. "For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless" (Psalm 84:11).

First, get filled up with JOY in Him. Let Him be your first and true source of joy, pleasure, and excitement! "You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11

Ask God to give you ideas for fun plans. He will lead and guide you so be ready to receive His awesome plans for your enjoyment and His glory! "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." Psalm 37:23. 

Remember, at every fun event, there will be opportunities to encourage, share Christ, and love the people around you! Pray for "divine appointments," meaningful conversations, and open doors!
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." 1 Peter 3:15

The Lord in His goodness and omniscience knows EVERYTHING about your past, present and future. He knows every step of your career path. He knows in what cities you will live. He knows when you will get a promotion. He knows which apartment complex and roommates are best for you. He knows when He will bring your future husband into your life. He knows what you need and when you need it. He knows it all! Trust in His plan. Trust HE is God and you are not - meaning, that HE knows best and will do everything in His timing, His perfect way. Why is it so hard to trust the Lord when there is no risk involved? His plans for your life are absolutely guaranteed to bring you incredible joy and, most importantly, glory to His kingdom. "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" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

How do you trust? When you feel yourself doubting God's plan, remind yourself of His promises for your life rather than dwell on the problems and Satan's lies.

Circumstances and problems change, waver, fail, and disappoint. 

God's promises and truth are unshakeable, guaranteed, fulfilling, and yours in Christ.

If you feel yourself not trusting the Lord, study the Scriptures and find a promise that pertains to your particular problem. Pray over it, memorize it, keep it in your car, and trust that God will be faithful to His promises. "Blessed is the man...his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper." Psalm 1:1-3

Example:
Problem: But I don't have a job yet - I don't even know what I want to do! This is miserable!
Promise 1: "The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps." Prov. 16:9
Speaking the promise: "God, I thank you that I am not planning my own way, but you will direct my steps to your hand picked job for me."
Promise 2: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10
Speaking the Promise: "God, I thank you that I am your workmanship, created for good works for your kingdom. I thank you that my job, gifts, talents, and career path has been prepared before the beginning of time!"

King's daughter, this is a BEGINNING to an exciting new adventure.

Rely on God's unchangeable goodness during all the change.

Ask God to give you FUN friends, plans, and ideas.

Trust in God's promises & truth rather than problems & lies.

Here's a song to encourage you to trust the Lord, every step of your post-grad life!

©Sarah Johnson, 2012