When I was a boy going to school my mother would tell me that school days were the best days of my life. In my boyish restlessness, I could not see it and thought she was very wrong. Looking back, however, I can see how right she was. For many at this time of year school days have already come to an end or will end shortly. Many will be graduating from high school. Goodbyes are said to classmates with promises to keep in touch. However, the reality is, very often that classmates seldom see each other after graduation. Young Christians in this position often ask, “What do I do now?” Some, indeed, have expressed to me, “I don’t know what to do.” Even after completing their first year of college, some still seem to be in a quandary.
There are those who know exactly what is before them. It may mean simply going to work full time on the family farm, and they are quite happy to do that. Others may be joining a family business. Further education at college or university may be in the plans of some. To be exercised before the Lord, as to the future path and His will, is the real issue. These verses may help at this critical juncture: Proverbs 3:5, 6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Young Christian, are you willing to trust the Lord and acknowledge Him for your future path? The Lord wants your trust. He will not disappoint you. Would you be willing to venture on God and put God first in everything?
Then, if the way does open up for you to go on to higher education, are you willing to give God the first place in faithfulness to the assembly, even amidst the pressure of intensive studies? I know a brother who went to university to study medicine. It was a heavy course to take. But he made up his mind that he would not miss any of the assembly meetings, in spite of the fact that he could have spent those evenings studying. He completed his studies and became a physician, and went on to serve the Lord in another land.
Whether your thoughts are on a university education or to work in a trade, would you keep in mind not only the essentials of this path, but the importance of being a help in the assembly of which you form a part? There is great potential in your life: perhaps one day you can be an elder in the assembly or a full-time servant of the Lord, or an example – a spiritual brother or sister – helping young and old to please the Lord.
Prayerfully consider these verses from Psalm 37: 4,5, “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” The Lord loves to be trusted; put Him to the test for your future.
