“What are you going to be when you grow up?”
It’s the question we have all been asked countless times at one point or another. There are a few (lucky) people out there who know exactly how they would answer this question. Many people magically know what their calling is at age 6. And then there are the not-so-fortunate ones that have no clue what kind of job they want, what they should major in, or who they should become. I, and most others, fall into the second category. We haven’t received some enchanted flashing signal directing us onto the path to determining our future. Nope, no yellow brick roads to follow around here. We come into college hoping that by sophomore year we will at least have an idea of what we should major in. Having the burden of everyone waiting for us to finally make up our minds and decide is already extremely exhausting. Taking rigorous college courses is hard, especially when simultaneously we are having to figure out what direction the Lord wants us to take. Even through the difficulty, Christ has shown me some truths that might be helpful to my fellow “undecided” majors.
1. Even though you don’t feel in control, He is in control.
Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Be still… What does God mean by this? He does not mean for us to give up and stop searching. He is not telling us to literally sit still either (even though those are beautiful-sounding words that every college student would like to hear). He is telling us that through these trials we need to hold onto Him. Find comfort in Him. Lean into the Lord during your confusion. He is in CONTROL. He knows exactly what is going to happen to you ten years from now, even if you don't. Finding that stillness will bring you closer to Christ and ultimately bring the answers that you desperately need.
2. You are not alone in this struggle.
Being a young adult can get the best of all of us. Being hours away from your parents and your best friend back home for the first time can be terrifying and lonely. Independence is a scary thing, regardless of the fact that we have been craving it for years. However, just because your parents and best friend are 200 miles away doesn’t mean that they are unreachable. Cell phones were invented for a reason. Support from your family, friends, or even a mentor can uplift your spirits more than you think. If you are unsure of your strengths and abilities, they will gladly tell you what they are. Moms pay more attention than we think they do. So pick up the phone. Call your mom. Call your grandma whom you haven’t spoken to in a while. Maybe they have helpful advice to share.
3. It will all fall into place.
We have all heard the saying, “It will work out in the end.” Maybe you have seen it cross-stitched on a pillow in your grandma’s house, or on one of those cheesy motivational posters. Although this saying is cliché, it’s true. God’s Word states in Proverbs 3:6, “In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” I don’t know about you, but I find comfort in this verse. Even though you are drowning in a sea of confusion right now, God sees you. He sees how stressed and worried you are about your future. He sees that you need help. He hears your cries. The good news is that the Lord already knows who you are going to be. He knows what you will major in to get there. He is shaping you and molding you into that person. Every tear, every worry, and every fear will be silenced soon enough. So dream big in this transition. Think of what you’re good at. Be an elephant washer, if that’s what you want. I know the waiting seems like it will never end, but it will. In the meantime, trust in the Lord. Fall in love with Him and He will make your paths straight.
Sincerely,
Someone Undecided & Trusting
