Now That You've Graduated… PRAY!

Congratulations! Graduation and years of study and academic preparation are behind you. What lies ahead? Only the rest of your life. You’re standing at the threshold of your future where many of life’s biggest decisions await you.You matter to God, and He has plans for you! You are here because He has need of you, and He loves you. Knowing where you come from is a good beginning as you enter another season of life. God chose you before the foundation of the world, and He sees you as an eternal being. He has a purpose for you, and as you renew your mind to the Word of God, His will for you becomes clear. There are many opportunities awaiting you, and you will have many choices to make because we need one another. We need builders, electricians, plumbers, service people, and housekeepers. We need counselors, educators, scientists, doctors, ministers, bankers, attorneys, entertainers, news reporters in print, television, and radio. We need writers, designers, and artists—and the list continues. Yes, we need one another!You are a change agent for your generation. The choices that you make are vital, and your relationship with Jesus in prayers will assist you as you search for your answers. Read God's Word, and pray it back to Him! As you pray, your mind will be renewed to the Word of God, and you will know God’s will for you. He sent us a Teacher and Guide who knows all, and He is your constant companion. Realize that you are God’s masterpiece.

You are a change agent for your generation.

You have faced challenges and learned more about life than you realize. As you begin another chapter in your book of life, remember God’s eyes saw your unformed substance, and in His book He has written all the days of your life. His plans for you are for good and to give you a hope and a future, so dare to dream big and dare to trust the One who knows you best and loves you most.My prayer for you is that you will not “become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, and develops well-formed maturity in you” (Romans 12:2 MSG).Prayer will help you focus and keep your eyes on the Author and Finisher of your faith. You have a large crowd of witnesses all around you, so get rid of everything that slows you down, especially the sin that just doesn’t want to let go. God has equipped you with power to overcome the evil one, and you are more than a conqueror through the One who loves you. With every temptation, your Father has made a way of escape and given you the power to choose love or fear. Choose love rather than fear and walk in the light of love rather than darkness! Treasure God’s wisdom…then you will discover all that is just, proper, and fair, and be empowered to make the right decisions as you walk into your destiny.Let me offer you a few practical tips as well. Stay centered and well-balanced in an ever-changing world. As you pursue your dreams, these simple tools could prove helpful:

1. Be honest with yourself and with God. Speak truly, live truly, and deal truly with others.
2. Remain teachable, which is true humility.
3. Develop the practice of prayer.
4. Read the book of Proverbs.
5. Be kind to others.
6. Maintain an attitude of gratitude.
7. Visualize yourself ever learning, ever growing, and ever achieving to the glory and honor of God.

And remember, you have a friend praying for you!