Snapshots of Sacrifices

There’s a lot of pressure on teenagers to know what they want to do in life. I’m nearing the end of my junior year of high school, and college is often at the forefront of my mind. With so many decisions to make—decisions that have so much weight to them—it’s very easy to start feeling terrified. “What if I make the wrong choice?” “What if this isn’t what God wants for me?” “What if this ruins my life? “What if, what if, what if?” The problem is, there is no one correct choice. You can excel in a multitude of places. God can use you wherever you are. There’s no pressure to find the school, the job, the exact blueprint for your life. Why? Because God is the One who knows the future—not us. And the great news is, He has promised He will take care of His people. Even if you have no clue what your plan is in life (and even if you do!), God knows. He has always known how He would use you in His kingdom, and it will be something amazing and glorifying to Him. If you keep your eyes on Him and trust Him to lead you, you will find true peace no matter where He leads you and no matter what unknowns you face. Of course, that’s easier said than done. I need to remind myself of these truths constantly. There are still times when worry is all I can think about. But God is in control—not me. I rest in the fact that He only wants what’s best for me, you, and everyone else who loves Him (Romans 8:28-29). That’s His promise. • Martalisa Fischer • Read Matthew 10:29-31. How does this passage affect how we as Christians live? What peace can these truths bring us? • Read Romans 8. What are some promises in Christ that can give us hope for the present and future? • If you’re struggling with a big decision, who are trusted people—such as pastors, parents, counselors, or teachers—you could talk with as you make those choices? Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Psalm 51:15-17