Thriving in our new seasons

School is ending and a new year is just around the corner. Some of you will be moving away, others going from middle school to high school and others going from high school to college.

As every new season in your life begins, it can be a turning point in your life – for the good or for the bad. Every season presents it freshness, a new exciting thing. However, it also presents its challenges and difficulties.

When you move to a new community, move up in grades or even go off to college, you will be with a whole bunch of new people who are in the exact same situation. If you are going to college, you will be free from “parental” rules and will be forced to make decisions on your own. You will encounter people who are trying to push you into this club or that sorority. You will be invited to parties or encouraged to go to this fellowship group or that one. Regardless of where you will be or what grade you are going too, you will have so many decisions to make on your own that can have lasting effects.

I want to encourage you, that as this new season begins, not to forget some of the things you learned in past seasons. Particularly, what you learned to be true about Christ.

Scripture

In the Bible it says in Matthew 6:33, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." It also says in John 15:7, "If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you."

The truth here is that if we seek Him and remain close to Him – remain in fellowship with Him, he will provide for us, he will help us make those tough decision. The key here is that WE have to seek Him and WE have to remain in Him. It takes our initiative. God is always there, desiring to help. WE have to go to Him.

Moving to a new community, moving up in grades, or even going off to College is a new and exciting time in which you get to recreate who you are on so many levels. However, I want to encourage you – don’t recreate who you are in Christ and what you know to be true in him. He will be the one you need to cling to, especially early on.

I have talked to so many people, especially college students, who told me how fortunate and lucky they were to get involved in a fellowship group when they first got down to college. It was by being involved in that group early one that made a difference in their time there because they got plugged in with new great people who were encouraging her in her faith and who were helping her sort through all that college has to offer her. It was a great support for her…especially early on.

So, when you begin your new year, don’t leave Christ at home. Take Him with you and allow Him to help you through this new season in your life. Get plugged into fellowship early on and stay connected to Christ. He will be the key in your survival.

Application

What is 1 thing you can do this summer to get you ready for the school year ahead?
What Christlike disciplines can you build into your life this summer to get your ready to survive and thrive in the year ahead?