Thrive in College & Career (5)

Imagine yourself in these scenarios:

You find yourself facing challenges while applying to your dream school, and the question of taking a gap year arises:

1. Should you take a gap year without knowing if it will significantly improve your chances of landing a fantastic offer?
2. Or should you accept any offer available, even if it’s not your dream school?

You’re stuck in a job with no apparent opportunities for growth, and you contemplate relocating to find better prospects:

1. Moving away from your family to start anew elsewhere.
2. Staying in your current position and accepting the situation as it is.

Living in this world, we will inevitably face situations that make us hesitate and debate with ourselves. Each choice seems to come with potential benefits and drawbacks, and at the moment of decision-making, we can’t be sure which path will lead to the best outcome. The fear of making the wrong choice or being paralyzed by uncertainty can be overwhelming.

But, my dear friend, don’t let these dilemmas burden your heart. You’re not limited to just two options. There’s always a third option – relying on the guidance of God. As Psalm 32:8 (NIV) assures us: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.“

When we seek God’s wisdom and listen to His counsel, we gain the confidence of making the right decision. In God’s guidance, we find security, joy, and peace. Without His wisdom, we may succumb to our own egos and the deceptive whispers of the devil, making decisions without clarity.

If you’ve made “bad” decisions that didn’t turn out as expected, know that there’s still hope. Through repentance and returning to God, we find redemption. Jesus himself emphasized the significance of repentance, saying, “’I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” Luke 15:6-7, (NIV). It is never too late to change the course of your life. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV).

Remember, there is always one right decision – to listen to God. Trust in Him, for there is no such thing as a bad decision when you follow His lead. Even if circumstances don’t unfold as you expect, you will find joy and peace within God because you trust in His plan for you. You are a sum of your choices, so make the right decision by wholeheartedly entrusting everything to God and becoming whole in Him. Embrace God’s plan for your life, and you’ll discover a path filled with purpose, contentment, and fulfillment.

Come join us to see and hear God’s counsel for you through His lens.  Gear up your talents and put them to good use as His vessel together with us.  Join us for the Fall Evangelical Services and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC) from September 14 to 17, 2023 at our church located as follows:

4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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For online streaming, please click here.

For regular service hours, please click here.

Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org