To the Highschool Grad Without a Plan

If you’re graduating from high school like me, I’m sure you’ve heard the constant question we know and love so well: “What’s your plan?”

For many of us, I would bet the answer has been “I DON’T KNOW!!!” (Although, I usually say it much softer and nicer!)

If you are searching and praying for answers to the future that awaits you, rest assured, that God has a perfect plan for your life, though you may not see it yet. I pray you’ll be reminded of that in this article and find some helpful ideas as you move forward!

Not Alone in the Unknown

First of all, you are not alone in the unknown. Many graduates are wondering and searching for answers and a path to their life, and it’s okay that you don’t have it all figured out yet!

My cousin wisely told me, “Sometimes God has us in places where we feel like we aren’t accomplishing much or doing big things. Be patient and content to glorify God in the mundane. It’s not about us accomplishing; it’s about Him.”

He will lead and guide you, dear friend, no matter where you go! Your worth does not lie in what you do, it lies in Jesus Christ, whose plan will always prevail.

“The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me; Your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of Your hands.” – Psalm 138:8

What Do You Pay Attention To?

One simple idea I read somewhere, when considering what to pursue after school, is “Pay attention to what you pay attention to.”

What catches your eye? What makes you excited and interested to learn more? Do you enjoy writing? Find a creative writing class. Do you love to work with your hands? Could you find someone in construction willing to take on an apprentice? Do you like to travel? Perhaps you could take a gap year that would give you experiences outside your state.

This isn’t the same as “following your heart” or “finding yourself.” God has given each of us unique gifts and talents that He desires us to use faithfully, and we honor Him when we use our gifts to serve others and glorify Him!

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Peter 4:20-11

God’s Will is Our Holiness

God’s will is not only about what job we pursue, college we attend, or places we go, but mostly, it’s about us becoming more like Christ.

As Christ faced the brutal anticipation of a horrific death He cried, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will,” (Matt. 26:39).

For months I’ve been struggling with a severe and confusing health issue and have cried to Him for healing. It has seemed like He doesn’t hear my cries when I’ve been so stressed and desperate.

But still, God is good, and His grace has met me in my misery. My suffering does not determine the truth of His goodness and He uses my pain (and yours) for eternal glory, though we may not see it yet.

Pray for God’s will to be done in your life, in what you do, and for you to become more like Christ before the cross, willing to follow God no matter what lies ahead.

But What if……?

Last December I wrote in my journal:

“What in the world am I going to do with my life? Do I go or do I stay? Do I work or take a gap year? Do I go to college? Oh Lord, help me know Your path for my life!”

It’s May and I’m still trying to figure that out!

But if we let fear of an unknown future paralyze us, we will never take the next step. He wants us to enjoy our work and our life; He has no desire to see us miserable. He will lead and guide us like a Shepherd who leads His flock. We must lay our “What if’s” down at His feet.

Pray for the wisdom that comes from God to lead you, rather than relying on yourself to figure it all out, because He knows what each one of us needs and where we will go.

As Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

The Unknowns Will Never Disappear

Graduating high school is not the only time when you will be faced with looming unknowns about your future, and at some point, you will have to take the next step with a trusting heart and do what is best, even though you may not see what comes after that.

As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” So, sign up for that class, visit that college, and open your ears to opportunities. One step is enough for today.

“So, the end of the matter is this: Live for God. Obey the Scriptures. Think of others before yourself. Be holy. Love Jesus. And as you do these things, do whatever else you like, with whomever you like, wherever you like, and you’ll be walking in the will of God.” – Kevin DeYoung