Well, What’s Next?
GRACE VALENTINE
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“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)
Well, what’s next? This is the thought that has often crossed my mind when a season of my life ends.
After graduating from high school, I asked, What’s next? I felt worried about college but excited about the freedom I expected to experience away from my small town.
After being laid off from the job I gave my all to, I asked, What’s next? I felt confused and stressed, worried about bills and what I’d tell my family.
After college graduation, a breakup, walking away from a friend group, and many more times in my life … Well, what’s next?
Whether we’re ready for a season to change or not, it isn’t fun to have doubts and confusion. However, I am so thankful we serve a God who is the Author of peace and not confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).
Jesus shared these words with His disciples in the upper room right before the chaos of Judas’ betrayal and the tragedy of Jesus’ death. The disciples didn’t know the miracles coming their way, but they did know Jesus told them not to fear. He offered them peace, even when the future was unknown.
When we invite Jesus into our hearts, we’re given His peace through the Holy Spirit.
Friend, what if we put our trust in what we know about God rather than stressing about what we don’t know? Whether you’re graduating from school, entering a competitive job market, beginning or ending a significant relationship, moving to a new place, or something else, you can experience the peace of His presence.
This peace doesn’t promise us all the answers, but it reminds us that even when we don’t know where we’re going, we know who we’re following. Through consistently praying and continually inviting Jesus into our future, we experience the peace that comes from knowing that our troubles today can become our testimony tomorrow. Every bad thing can become a good thing if we make it a God thing.
You don’t have to live anxiously when you don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Instead, seek God, who knows your future (Jeremiah 29:11-13). He is making a way for you and me, and His will is greater than our plans. Let’s prayerfully ask Him to lead us to His best and trust that He will not withhold a good thing from us (Psalm 84:11).
Dear God, chaos and confusion are around me, but You are a God of peace, not disorder. Help me to experience Your peace. I may not know what’s next, but I know peace is promised when I’m walking with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Grace Valentine’s devotional book, To the Girl Looking for More, is perfect for you or a young woman in your life — and it makes a great graduation present! Encourage someone you know to walk with Jesus by gifting them this easy-to-follow, 90-day devotional that meets young women right where they’re at and points them to Scripture. You can purchase your copy here!
What do I do when I feel like I can’t turn my brain off? Why do I anxiously obsess over things sometimes? Lysa TerKeurst, Licensed Professional Counselor Jim Cress, and Proverbs 31 Ministries’ Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, tackle these questions and more in their recent conversation “Can We Control What We Think About?” Watch here!
ENGAGE
For more encouragement from Grace Valentine, follow her on Instagram @thegracevalentine. Her website is www.gracevalentine.org.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
1 Corinthians 14:33, “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people” (NIV).
Jeremiah 29:11-13, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart’” (NIV).
Psalm 84:11, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless” (NIV).
How can you trust that God is a God of peace even when your life is confusing and the future seems unknown? How can you seek His peace daily? Share with us in the comments!
© 2024 by Grace Valentine. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
Originally published Friday, 24 May 2024.
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