It’s graduation season! First of all congratulations to all those of you who have worked so hard to get to this point. I pray God richly blesses you as you take your next steps.
I remember what it was like being in those shoes. The shoes of graduate who has no idea what those next steps actually are. It doesn’t even just apply to students. Some of us are changing careers, making a lifestyle changes, or setting goals for the lives we want to live.
The word that comes to my mind is daunting!
There are some steps God showed me in a sermon, (which I cannot find anywhere,) that helps with making big decisions and figuring out your next moves. For now though i’d like to leave you with three things that will help you in the process of embracing uncertainty.
3 Steps towards embracing uncertainty
1. Surrender
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. - Isaiah 55:8
I’ve always had a clear plan of what I want my future to look like. For some strange reason, when I finished University, I thought the next part was going to be easy.
In my optimism I planned to get a job working as a fashion designer in Manchester, stay for two years, save money and then start my own fashion brand. After hundreds of job applications and one failed interview, I lost all hope in my dreams.
What actually ended up happening?
Eleven months after my first job application, I came across the Princes Trust Business mentor programme. One of the requirements of applying was being unemployed for a minimum of eleven months. Prior to this programme I had never had any business training, I was making it all up!
The fruits of what God set up got me free business support and training, as well as a mentor who worked alongside me as I built my first business. Only God! I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t allow God to do what He did in my life.
2. Pray
In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. - Proverbs 3:6
So often we get so caught up in what we want and forget to talk to God about it. When was the last time you spoke to God about your goals? Your dreams? Your hopes? When was the last time you asked God for clarity or direction?
The past year i’ve been in a season of intense growth. I’m trying to make God the first person I call on at all times. I want God to be the first and best friend I run to when I need help with anything, including choices I make that affect my future.
3. Trust
I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them. - Isaiah 42:16
The Word of God is filled with promises. Isaiah 42:16 paints a beautiful picture of what God says He will do for His people.
Lead us in paths we have not known
God promises to lead us in places we have never been before. The beauty of it is God has already been there, He already is there. So regardless of our uncertainty, we can trust in God to direct, guide and lead us.
Make darkness light before us
Just like a torch in the blackness of night, God is a light for His people. We don’t need to see the next steps. God will illuminate our way and give us just what we need to see where we are going.
Make crooked places straight
It is no secret, as humans, we often stray from the path and take wrong turns from time to time. God has a way of taking the bumps, slips, obstacles and bends in our roads and turning them into a smooth, freshly tarmacked path for us to travel on. Don’t let the fear of making a wrong turn stop you from taking the first step.
Not forsake us
Regardless of where we end up, God promises to not leave us. The word forsake translates into abandon or leave without intending to return. Our God is a faithful, present God who promises to never forsake His children. We are safe under the shelter of His wings.
As you plan for the future, prepare for your next steps and place your feet on new opportunities, choose to surrender, prayerfully to the God who you can trust.
What is the next big step in your life? New job? New life goal? Let us know in the comments below and we will add it to our prayer list.