DEAR REV. GRAHAM: Our daughter graduates from high school this coming May. She’s been looking at colleges, but she can’t decide which one to go to, what she wants to major in, or even if she should be doing something else instead. How can we help her?
- A.G.
DEAR A.G.: The most important thing you can do is to encourage your daughter to seek God’s will for her future - and also to pray for her.
In other words, remind her that God loves her and knows all about her. After all, He made her and gave abilities and gifts to her, and He also knows the future. And because of this, He can be trusted to lead her in the right path. The only requirement is a heart that is open and seeking His will. The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
All too often, I’m afraid, we think it must be up to us to make decisions like this, and we forget to seek God’s will. But we shouldn’t, because God is concerned about every detail of our lives, including our futures. And remember: His way is always best. The Bible says, “Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you” (Jeremiah 7:23).
How can your daughter discover God’s will? First, she should pray, asking God to give her wisdom and guide her. Then she should seek advice from others who know her and can help her discover her interests and abilities. Most of all, encourage her to put Christ first in her life. God may only show her the next step, but that’s all she really needs to know.
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201 or visit the website at billygraham.org
Food, Pages 32 on 12/18/2013