Parent Link

May
2009

Help Teenagers Put the Future in God’s Hands

As another school year wraps up, graduating seniors are contemplating the next stage in their lives. Whether kids are heading to college, the military, or full-time employment, this important milestone brings a mixture of excitement and uncertainty.

Those feelings aren’t reserved for high school seniors. Whether they’re 13 or 19, most young people question what the future holds for them. “What does God want me to do with my life? Should I go to college? If so, which one? What should I study? What do I want to be? Should I get married? If so, to whom?” Such questions can feel overwhelming, especially when they’re combined with all the other emotions and pressures today’s teenagers face.

Teenagers who know that God has their lives all planned out still might not know which particular direction he wants them to take. When big choices loom, Christians can bring their questions to God in prayer and can rely on the loving support of family members and friends.

Assistance in Aisle Three

Share with your teenagers this insightful excerpt from Group’s Live Bible:

Yesterday I saw something new—a huge dog right in the middle of Wal-Mart. He was a seeing-eye dog, and he was leading his master through the perilous twists and bends of the personal- hygiene department. The man still had a mind of his own. He had an idea of the general direction to head toward and of the things he wanted. But he needed a good set of eyes to guide him.

That’s a pretty clear picture of Jeremiah 29:4-14. God creatively weaves the Israelites through the hidden roadblocks they are oblivious to. He knows where to take them and how to make it safely through. We can fully expect God to do the same for us. God has a plan for each of us and a good set of eyes. God can easily create a path for us, even when we can’t see the way.

Try closing your eyes tight and feeling your way around the house in the dark. As you do, imagine the things in your future you feel uncertain about: college, relationships, career path. Then pray. Thank God for his creative plans for you and for his gentle leadership guiding you safely through.

Decisions, decisions. Teenagers seem to face one big choice after another. Check out these stats about teenagers and the future:

• 44% of teenagers say their top worry is getting good grades, and 32% say their top worry is getting into a good college.
  

  (The Parent Institute)

• When teenagers were asked whether they wanted to follow the career path of their father or mother, 79% responded “neither.”
  

  (USA Today)

• 32% of teenagers expect to be famous someday.
  

  (Psychology Today)
  

   

• According to various sources, about 80% of teenagers say they expect to get married someday.
  

Great Questions

to Ask Your Kids

Use these discussion starters as you help your teenagers ponder and prepare for the future.

1. When you think about your future, how do you feel? What are you most excited about and most scared about? Explain.

2. How certain are you about what you want to do with your life? Do you think your goals match up with God’s plans? Why or why not?

3. If God already knows how our lives will turn out, why do you think he often lets us struggle with decisions?

4. What one question about your future would you most like God to answer, and why?

PRAY THAT:

1. God will guide your kids as they contemplate his will for their lives.
   

    

2. Your teenagers will be receptive to your support and guidance as they make big decisions.
   

    

3. Your teenagers will make choices that are pleasing to God and that glorify him.
   

    

4. God will protect and bless your teenagers as they grow and prepare to leave your “nest.”
   

Verse
of the Month

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

God, the architect of the universe, has drafted detailed “life plans” for each of his children. Although the Bible may not tell your kids what classes to take or which job to accept, it assures them that he holds each of their futures. God promises to provide good, hope-filled lives for teenagers—and for you.

What’s Up
With Kids

At SimplyYouthMinistry.com, author Katie Brazelton writes about helping your teenagers discover and fulfill their life purpose. To read the entire article, visit SimplyYouthMinistry.com and enter “The ABC’s of Parenting on Purpose” in the search box.

I am the first to admit that I didn’t know how to go about planning my life for God. My mama never told me how. I wish she had. She did teach me a few things, like “Floss. Don’t let your roots show. And wear clean underwear in case of an accident.” But none of those things helped me figure out what God expected me to be and do. For me, discerning my purpose in life was a grueling process of hit and miss, of pouring my heart out to strangers, and of shedding buckets of tears. I wouldn’t wish my method on anyone. By sharing these 26 lessons with your teenagers, you’ll save them some frustration and legwork.

Acknowledge your abilities. Be willing to forgive yourself and others. Concentrate on your character. Develop a servant’s heart. Embrace God’s dream for your life. Face your fears. Give God the glory. Hold onto hope. Invite humility into your life. Just offer your weaknesses to God. Keep going back to your Bible as the ultimate, unchanging truth. Love God and your neighbor. “Motate” toward your life mission. Not about you. Obey. Pray all day long. Quit being so serious. Reach out for healthy relationships. Serve where you are called today. Tell others about the numerous, gracious miracles God has done for you! Understand your uniqueness. Invite Vision. Walk with an accountability partner. EXpect an extraordinary purpose. Yearn to please an audience of one: Jesus Christ. UnZip your zeal.