If you’re under the age of 20, you are likely one of thousands, if not more, whose education journey has been severely impacted. The Covid-19 pandemic, which swept the world just about six years ago, drastically transformed the learning environment.
More recently, Hurricane Melissa moved across the western side of our island, Jamaica, uprooting many things, including the already reeling education system.
You may be one of the many struggling to either keep attending school (due to lack of finances and other reasons), or stay focused in class due to other issues plaguing your mind. Even worse, consider that there is a time coming where formal studies and keeping jobs will require a personal denial of Jesus and an allegiance (commitment) to evil. There is a real temptation to feel hopeless, as you’ve been taught that education is the key to succeeding in life, yet that key seems to be slipping from your hand (if not yet lost). How can you “progress” in life when the world seems to be holding you back?
This article is not a mere motivational boost or an empty spiritual lecture but true hope-filled perspective from God.
REMEMBER GOD IS ALWAYS IN CONTROL
A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the LORD directs his steps and establishes them. Proverbs 16:9 AMP
It can be hard to believe and even accept that a good God is in control of everything that happens on this planet. You may question, “If God is good, why did He allow these bad things to happen?” Nevertheless, His good nature outlasts all questioning and doubting. Our wisdom, judgement, and definition of good fall short compared to The Eternal, All-Powerful, All-Wise God.
While you may not understand His ways, faith requires belief that always trusts Him. Such faith is bound to be rewarded and even prove that He really does know what’s best for your life since He gave it to you. He not only gave you life; He also determined the purpose for it. Consequently, He will allow situations, including the seemingly opposing ones, to happen so they can direct you onto the path that leads you to fulfilling His good purposes in and through you.
Am I saying that His path may involve you struggling to get a formal education? That’s right. A formal education does have value, and once you are granted the opportunity, give it your best. However, life is filled with unexpected turns where what you hoped for in your heart is deferred or ruined. What are you left to do?
TRUE HOPE IS NOT FOUND IN THIS WORLD
Popular culture beckons us to grow up hoping for or aspiring towards wealth, status/influence, and comfort in this life. Loved ones desire for us to become doctors, lawyers, pilots, world-class athletes, etc. because these professions are highly esteemed by this world and promise immense material gains. Note, however, if your hope is tied to these things, you will never be at peace, whether or not you attain them. Scriptures define this as loving this world, which automatically makes one an enemy of God Himself, who is hope, peace and all the truly good things.
Then I considered all which my hands had done and labored to do, and behold, all was vanity and chasing after the wind and there was no profit (nothing of lasting value) under the sun. Ecclesiastes 2:11 AMP
True hope, peace, and fulfilment cannot be found except in an intimate relationship with the Lord. King Solomon, who penned the above scripture, wrote from a place of emptiness and depression, though he had more wealth, influence, and wisdom than anyone else in the world. He too had to discover that all his labour, without an intimate connection with his God, was meaningless. This is why He later shared these essential words of wisdom:
Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them. Ecclesiastes 12:1 KJV
THE CONCLUSION OF THE MATTER
The situations happening in your life are not meant to leave you in a hole of depression but lead you to the Giver of true hope — Christ Jesus. Not only is He able to reveal His purposes for you but He can also empower you with peace and joy during adversities (which, by the way, happen to us all). However, this is only possible if you invite and receive His life inside of you, then intentionally allow Him to lead you. Once this happens, He immediately gives you everything needed to be successful, knowing that true success is living in the will and expectations of The One who created and defines you.
For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us]. Ephesians 2:10 AMP
Darien Callum is a member of Passion and Purity—a God-centered charity and para-church organisation, operating primarily in school, church, and media contexts. They aim to help others find their God-given passions and pursue same with purity.