As Christians in our 20s, it is all too easy to lose track of our salvation. We grew up in church, memorized the 10 Commandments and sang in the youth choir. As we proceed to adulthood, there are dozens of ways for us to stray off the straight and narrow way that we are told to follow. At times, we may even get to the point of asking ourselves if God is even real anymore. The stumbling blocks of maturing into a responsible, working, family-oriented adult are evident as we go through this important stage of our lives.

Twenty-somethings in this age have to grow up in a very short amount of time. Gone are the days of voluntarily getting married to your sweetheart at age 16, dropping out of high school and having three kids by the time you're 20 years old, all while still having a successful family. Life begins a bit later for the "millennial" generation. In the span of eight to 10 years, most of us will graduate college, attempt to find a sustainable job, get married and possibly start a family. All of these things are wonderful if they fall right into place. In most cases, they don't. At some points, we become anxious about our life situations and even sometimes depressed. Trials and tribulations like the ones below may come our way, but the Bible encourages us to not give up.

1. College life

It seems difficult enough to find a good job for those of us with a very expensive piece of paper (degree), but what about those who fall short of that goal? Most Christian kids go into college with the best of intentions: keep a clean slate, hold tight to your beliefs and graduate with honors. I can't count the times I've seen friends and acquaintances be tempted with something foreign to their belief system, only for it to become a habitual downfall. Once good ole conviction sets in, we then know to ask for forgiveness. Temptation is a very evil, yet easy, way to backslide. Stand firm, and you'll be just fine.

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." -1 Corinthians 10:13

2. Job hunting

As much as we want to spend the first year (or five in some cases) after college back with our parents, it would behoove us to find a decent paying job and an affordable apartment or house. The job market is as flooded as ever, and even those of us with degrees or special skills get looked over for cheaper or more experienced options. The whole "requires three-years experience" thing on job descriptions still boggles my mind to this day. How do you get experience without being hired? As for me, frustration set in on multiple occasions. Still, we must persevere through this hurdle and trust that he will put us where he wants us.

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." -James 1:12

3. Finding "the one"

Some call me lucky, some call me unlucky. I found the beautiful God-fearing woman that I call my wife at the ripe old age of 16. Yes, we've had our ups and downs, but I wouldn't change a thing. The reason I get called unlucky is for one essential reason: I didn't get the chance to "test drive" everything in the car lot. Not one day in my life have I regretted not getting the chance for that "thrill." Sure, college has its temptations, and I've fallen short of my own standards on occasion, but that doesn't mean I need or want to relive those times any differently. Once you find "the one," you have blinders on the rest of your life if you truly love that person.

Not having such great luck finding that special person? You may be looking in the wrong places. Instead of looking at the bar, the night club or the frat party, try a local church, a community organization or a place that is in line with your hobbies.

"He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord." -Proverbs 18:22

4. Starting a family

"First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes (insert your name here) with a baby carriage!" We've all heard this little rhyme before, but little did we know it would become so self-evident later on. Granted, God has not blessed my wife and I with children as of yet, but I have seen the true blessing that children are to our families and friends. We can't wait to be parents. For those in similar situations, there's hope that his will is being done, and it's just not our turn yet. For those with kids, you know that it's the hardest working, but most rewarding, love that you can give and receive.

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward." -Psalm 127:3

5. Surviving our 20s as Christians

These are only a few of the milestones most people hit in their 20s. There are countless other ways to find struggle, anxiety or even depression. Gladly, the Apostle Paul gives us this final encouraging word in 1 Timothy 4:12, which reads: "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."

With these words in mind, feel free to contact your local pastor or other leader if you need a little extra help navigating your 20s as a Christian. It's not only a tough and growing time in our lives, but it's even tougher to get through as a Christian. The best way to get some help? Have a short (or lengthy) conversation with the Man Upstairs or look into his word. An answer or helping hand is just a prayer or chapter away.