What's Next?

Recently, I had a conversation with a college graduate who asked the question, "What's next?" In an effort to appease his inner circle of influence, i.e., his parents and their money, he completed his college degree.

Nevertheless, the myriad of questions like "What job should I choose? Where should I live? Who should I marry?" all came whirling from his tassel-ridden head following the commencement ceremonies. Legitimate questions all posed around this one thought: Is this God's will for my life?

So, here's some advice for him and the masses of people clueless about their future endeavors.Think of God's will like an interstate highway.

There are people speeding in both directions. We are choosing to drive in one of two directions; let's assume that one is the right way and the other the wrong way.

There are multiple lanes of traffic. The speed and trajectory of our travels are determined by our position and destination. Remember, slower traffic keep right!

There are guardrails along the highway. While we have some freedom to choose one of the various lanes, we know the guardrails are intended to keep us from danger.

There are road signs navigating the way. While we can't see the end of our journey, we trust the road signs to lead us to our intended destination.

There are on ramps and exit ramps. These ramps are necessary for helping make many of our decisions; decisions to stop, rest, re-fuel, re-calculate the GPS, turn around, choose a different destination.

So, what do you tell someone who's scrambling to follow God's will but admittedly has no idea what to do next? My favorite verse in the Bible is Romans 12:2, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."  

Today, if you're seeking to please God by the choices you're making in life, realize this; God has a plan for your life. While we don't always see or understand His plans immediately, this idea of faith allows us to place our trust in Him so that when we look in the rearview mirror of life we see how His plan was unfolding all the time.

I know my advice doesn't answer the specific questions my friend was asking and neither does the Bible. The Bible says "the renewing of your mind" will lead you to align your life with God's good, acceptable, and perfect will.

What are you waiting for? Get on the highway! Start moving! Pay attention! Know the conditions! The route may require some unsuspecting turns but with God navigating the journey you will end up precisely where He wills.