<p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">Well, What’s Next?</span></p><p><span style="color: #000000;">GRACE VALENTINE</span></p><p><span style="color: #000000;">Lee en español</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">Well, what’s next? This is the thought that has often crossed my mind when a season of my life ends.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">After graduating from high school, I asked, What’s next? I felt worried about college but excited about the freedom I expected to experience away from my small town.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">After being laid off from the job I gave my all to, I asked, What’s next? I felt confused and stressed, worried about bills and what I’d tell my family.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">After college graduation, a breakup, walking away from a friend group, and many more times in my life … Well, what’s next?</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">Whether we’re ready for a season to change or not, it isn’t fun to have doubts and confusion. However, I am so thankful we serve a God who is the Author of peace and not confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">Jesus shared these words with His disciples in the upper room right before the chaos of Judas’ betrayal and the tragedy of Jesus’ death. The disciples didn’t know the miracles coming their way, but they did know Jesus told them not to fear. He offered them peace, even when the future was unknown.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">When we invite Jesus into our hearts, we’re given His peace through the Holy Spirit.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">Friend, what if we put our trust in what we know about God rather than stressing about what we don’t know? Whether you’re graduating from school, entering a competitive job market, beginning or ending a significant relationship, moving to a new place, or something else, you can experience the peace of His presence. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">This peace doesn’t promise us all the answers, but it reminds us that even when we don’t know where we’re going, we know who we’re following. Through consistently praying and continually inviting Jesus into our future, we experience the peace that comes from knowing that our troubles today can become our testimony tomorrow. Every bad thing can become a good thing if we make it a God thing.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">You don’t have to live anxiously when you don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Instead, seek God, who knows your future (Jeremiah 29:11-13). He is making a way for you and me, and His will is greater than our plans. Let’s prayerfully ask Him to lead us to His best and trust that He will not withhold a good thing from us (Psalm 84:11).</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #000000;">Dear God, chaos and confusion are around me, but You are a God of peace, not disorder. Help me to experience Your peace. I may not know what’s next, but I know peace is promised when I’m walking with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. </span></p><p> </p>
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