To the Class of 2020

By Bryan Rollins

Congratulations, Class of 2020! Whether you are graduating from middle school, high school, college or graduate school, we couldn’t be more proud of your accomplishments.

Looking back on my graduation, I remember receiving a gift inscribed with the Bible verse Jeremiah 29:11: “‘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.’” What a beautiful promise! I feel like I can take on the whole world for Jesus with that verse. But did you know that Jeremiah 29 also has some instructions from God?

Here’s a little bit of background. Jeremiah was a prophet during the Babylonian exile. The Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar besieged and captured Jerusalem. The walls and houses of Jerusalem were destroyed, its temple was burned, and the people of Judah, except for the very poor, were deported to Babylon. Jeremiah 29 is a letter that God had Jeremiah write to those in exile. In verses 4-14, God gives two instructions to the exiles, which are just as valuable to all of us, especially for those who are graduating or moving into a new season of life. 

Set roots

The first instruction is to set roots. God tells the exiles to build houses, plant gardens and have families. He tells them to build a life and invest in the local community.

What will this look like for you as you enter a new season of life? If you are going off to college or moving to another town for a new job, find a local church or a campus ministry where you can find people that will continue to lead you to Jesus and further show you how you can be a missionary to those around you at your school or job. It is so important to find a community of believers who can help you seek Jesus with all of your heart. Find your community and invest in it.

Seek God

The second instruction is to seek God. In verse 13, God says when you seek Me, you will find Me. For many of you, this will be your first time away from a Christian home. You will begin to discover what you believe as your faith is tested in different ways. Remember, the Bible says God’s Word is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path, and we shouldn’t lean on our own understanding. Study your Bible every day and pray through God’s Word in all situations and seasons. Jesus also said, “Seek first the Kingdom of God,” and then everything else you need will be given to you. And don’t forget the greatest commandment: to love God with all of your heart, all of your soul, and all of your mind. 

As you step into a new world, remember to put God in the ultimate place of worship and focus in your life. God is already preparing a community for you to help you continue in your journey to becoming a better worshipper of Jesus. In the next couple of months, seek God through his Word and prayer as you prepare for your next season. 

Congratulations and God bless as you walk into the future of hope that God has for you!

Bryan Rollins and his wife Erica serve in LCC’s high school ministry. They live in Bluffton with their two dogs, Mia and Gracie. They are also waiting to adopt their first child.