Education

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6, NKJV).

I have always believed that logical thinking, risk analysis and dealing with life in a sensible and realistic way would guarantee success. I used to consider myself pragmatic, focusing on the processes behind any task, initiative or goal.

When you are pragmatic, you are practical. You follow the rules and expect to be rewarded. You are usually successful, but are often still searching for “the answer.” You may attend church, but a true understanding of the Bible eludes you; it stays hidden.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jer. 29:11, NKJV).

This verse has impacted me greatly because it reminds me that I am not alone. Whatever it is that you are going through in life, God will always be by your side. If it’s school, friends, future decisions or anything else, God will help you prosper. He wants us to succeed and to get far in life.

Now that I am a senior in high school and I will be going to college soon, I am not 100 percent sure what I want to do with my life. I have been praying constantly for God to show me what His will is and to reveal His plans for me.

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you” (Isa. 43:2, NLT).

I like this verse a lot because it reminds me that, no matter what happens, God is with me. There have been times when I have struggled with things such as math or science. But I have always gotten through these classes, thanks to my parents and God.

“God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day” (Ps. 46:5, NIV).

Today, I feel stressed, alone and overwhelmed. I am missing my class, our memories together and all of our missed opportunities. I feel like I don’t have enough time to get my schoolwork done, and I feel like quitting. However, this verse reminds me that I am not alone. God is with me, and He will help me today and tomorrow. With Him, I will not fail.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil” (Prov. 3:5–7, NKJV).

This was a verse I loved while I was growing up, however it took me a few years to actually understand it. Some people read it and say, “Oh, it’s just such a complicated passage.” But it really isn’t. The verses hold one message: His way or yours? In other words, do you trust Him?