Discovering God's Calling in Young Adulthood
Opening Prayer
Gracious and Loving God,
Help these young men and women to be a light for all the world to see, in all the places they live and work. Let their light shine for all peoples: for their families, for their church communities, for their cultures and societies, for the economic and political systems, for the whole world. |
Scripture Theme
May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed (Psalm 20:4).
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Introduction
Congratulations! You’ve finished high school and now it’s time to launch into young adulthood. What does God have in mind for you? How can you make the most of these years? What’s next for your life? You are probably tired of these sorts of questions.
Perhaps you are discovering that the new found freedom of not having to go to high school is tainted by all these serious life questions. High school was relatively easy. You could float along day by day and it all brought you to the graduation stage. But now, you are faced with the challenges and responsibilities of young adulthood. Further, you want to know how God will play a part in your launch. In effect you want to know, “What is my call? What is my vocation . . . at least for this next stage of my life?” In his article, What Should I Do After High School Greg Forster gives three key questions for the person trying to discern her/his vocation.
In short: What am I good at? Who needs me? What do I sincerely want to do? These are the questions to keep in mind and heart as you engage in this reflection. As God’s call for you emerges, place your trust in God, say ‘yes’ as best you can, and give it your all. And one more thing. Don’t assume that God has only one call for the remainder of your life. It’s easy to feel a bit of panic, like, I can’t miss the call, or I might spend the remainder of my days in meaningless mediocrity. In reality, it is safe to say that God calls us many times throughout the seasons of our lives, and each call challenges us to stretch further than we might have anticipated or imagined. Take a breath. Relax. Open your heart to God’s ideas for you. |
What's Changing
In his book Managing Transitions, William Bridges writes that transitions always start with an ending. Seems odd, yes, but he maintains that the first step toward a life change is identifying what you are losing and learning how to manage the losses. As you launch into young adulthood, it may make you feel confused, even sad and lonely, mixed with a healthy dose of anxiety. Normal . . . but pay attention to those feelings, as they are indicators of a life change.
Consider Take a look at the video “The Graduation Stage” by the Skit Guys. The purpose of this video is to help you remember that you are going through a “stage” and that on the other side is world waiting to hear your voice. Write and/or Discuss
Jot some notes or share with others your responses to these questions:
Reflect As you begin your young adult life, take a moment to complete these reflections . . .
Finding concrete answers for how to align your life with God ideas for you is a process that takes time. So, all your wonderments and anxieties are normal and part of the process. Acknowledge them and recognize that God is present in them. And pray for trust that God will mold you into the authentic person you desire to be. Take Heart “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27) |
What's Emerging in My Life
Let’s consider what might be emerging in your life as a result of these changes. As we do so, let us remember a few things that others have discovered about God’s callings in their lives. We can say that responding to God’s call will
likely . . .
Consider Let’s focus on the fourth bullet point: not be overly complicated. While, at the moment, it may be difficult and confusing trying to determine your call, once you see it and know it, there will be clarity that gives you incredible focus and energy to pursue it. Take a look at the video blog by Maria “Do You Have a Plan for Life After High School?” What do you want to be when you grow up? Maria helps you answer that question so you can have a plan for life after high school. Write and/or Discuss
Jot some notes or share with others your responses to these questions:
To Inspire You Take a look at the video “Graduation: You Got This” by the Skit Guys. When graduation day arrives, big things are on the horizon. But there’s been a long road paving the way to this moment. Watch as one dad marvels at his little girl who has grown up before his eyes and has the strength and courage to follow God, live out her dreams, and take on the world. Write and/or discuss Jot some notes or share with others your responses to these questions:
Take Heart When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. (Luke 24. 30-31) |
How Should I Live?
Now we seek to turn the corner and fully embrace the call. We seek to develop fruitful patterns of behavior and action that bring fulfillment. You want to do more than just survive young adulthood, you want to thrive.
Watch An entertaining video by the Fung Bros called “Things to Know After High School” gives a lot of concrete, practical advice for thriving in young adulthood. Take five minutes and watch it below. As you can see, the Fung Bros video are very practical, yet not at all religious. While their advice is helpful, they don’t take into account God’s presence in your life. So now take a look at the video “Graduation Nuggets of Wisdom” by the Skit Guys. Write and/or Discuss Jot some notes or share with others your responses to these questions:
Consider
Here are links to helpful practices and strategies for responding to the call of becoming a young adult.
Take Heart Plans are made in human hearts, but from the LORD comes the tongue’s response. All one’s ways are pure in one’s own eyes, but the measurer of motives is the LORD. Entrust your works to the LORD, and your plans will succeed. (Proverbs 16:1-3) |