God Is...Peace

Dear Highschool Senior,

No one told you about this part, did they?

They told you that senior year was the best year of your high school experience! They told you that senior year was your chance to make the best memories, put the finishing touches on life long friendships and to make the best of your last few months in high school -- because they were going to go by fast.

But they didn't tell you about this part.... did they?

The part where there are restless nights of worrying about what's next.

The part where you're afraid about not getting into that college that you want to attend more than anything, or not getting that scholarship that you desperately need, because your parents don't have the money to pay for college out of pocket.

The part where you're afraid that you may fail, and that you might disappoint the people who love you the most.

No one told you that it was okay to be nervous about this new chapter of your life, and be excited at the same time.

And since no one told you this, you may be feeling alone, like you have to figure this out on your own.

So, if no one's told you, let me be the first -- you are NOT alone. What you are feeling is normal and it is okay.

I can vividly remember being in your shoes.

I remember laying in bed one night and crying silently, because the fear had become crippling.

As I laid there, I laid every emotion I could think of expressing, before the Lord:

"Jesus.... I'm afraid... what if I can't do this? What if it doesn't turn out the way that I think it will? What will I do if my plans don't work out?"

And as I laid there, giving God all of my what if's.....He gave me His:

"But Nysi, what if my plan is more amazing than your wildest dream?"

Immediately the tears stopped, and my anxious heart began to find peace.

I was reminded of Esther in the days leading up to her confronting the King.

She didn't know what answer she would get.

She didn't know if things would work out in her favor.

Her life was on the line and she was facing a very literal death.

Yet Esther, in all of her fear, was able to walk in peace.... because she trusted the plan of the God that had brought her this far.

She realized that His plan, regardless of what it may have looked like or how it may have felt, was far more amazing than the most amazing thing she could long for.

And in the end, His plan far exceeded her expectations.

High school Senior, I wish I could promise you that everything will work out exactly like you think it will and that the next few months will be easy.

The reality is... I can't.

What I can promise you though, is this:

Things will work out, the way that HE intends.

The next few months may not be easy, but they do hold the potential to be months that teach you life riveting truths about God.

The first being that he provides peace in crippling times of fear and worry.

Yes, the fear you feel is real, but don't let it overtake you.

And the way to do that is through realizing, trusting, and believing that His plans, are more amazing than the most amazing plan you can create.

So no, everything may not work out the way you think they will, but I can promise you that when it's all said and done -- He will exceeded your wildest expectations.

That is where you can find peace.

In the safety of His promises is where you can exhale and find joy.

Everything will be okay. Everything will work out. You will survive.

God is peace... and He's offering that to you.

All you have to do is accept it.

Be brave. I believe in you.

Nysi