You made it! You graduated! You have crossed a major milestone in your life, one that propels you forward into a new arena of adulthood, full of new opportunities and responsibilities. You did this, in a unique and unpleasant set of circumstances. You involuntarily sacrificed many of the happy events that conclude high school—you may have complained, you may have cried, you may have questioned why—but you’ve accomplished this too. You are experiencing that life goes on, you are learning that all suffering is temporary, and you have shown that you can adapt, compromise and persevere—and you should be proud!
While you’ve been home, you’ve probably seen a commercial or two-- or two million, that use some phrasing like “in these uncertain times.” “In these uncertain times, you can buy this product from insert company name because we LOVE you (and your money),” or something like that. These commercials have gotten annoying and seem a bit out of touch, but the point of uncertainty isn’t wrong. This period of time has been very uncertain and still is. So, while we are all wallowing in uncertainty about when things will open and events can be rescheduled I want to remind you that we serve a God who is in control and that there are still many things that are certain.
Graduate,
- It is certain that you have a future ahead of you
No matter how it feels to be a graduate now, which for many of you it may seem lackluster. There is still a strong and bright future for you to pursue. God is sending you out whether it be to further your education or join the workforce, your life is shifting forward to a new phase, full of opportunity, and new potential. It is okay to be sad and sorry about the recent past and present, but do not lose the hope you have in your future and the exciting things you are setting out to accomplish. In doing so, you can point others to your ultimate hope in Christ.
- It is certain that you have a God who loves you
Fear, anger, sadness—all of these are emotions that you may have experienced recently in the wake of your situation. All of these feelings are valid and understandable. However; we want to anchor ourselves in God’s love. That we do not stay swimming in these feelings that drag us down, but remember that we have a God who loves us and is working all things out for our good (Romans 8:28). When more and more things are stripped away we have to remind ourselves that God is and always has been enough.
- It is certain that God wants to use you
One day, all of this will be a distant memory. It will be a story you tell. It may become a part of your testimony. Remember that all that is to come from this point forward, you are still being sent out to where God has for you to be. Your future ahead of you, loved by God, reveals that you still have much to do. You have hope to share, love to show, and a Gospel message to present to others who are lost, confused, afraid, and hurting. Graduate, you have a unique perspective, and therefore a unique message, to reach those around you and who will soon be around you in a way that no one else can.
Church, we need to be praying for our graduates. Pray that they, like all of us, will cling to our certainties, know that God is in control, and remember the mission has not changed.